kurliskottage

Backyard visitors

2011-01-08T11:27:00.000+10:00

Taken about half an hour ago. The Euodia tree (a rain forest native) is in full bloom, and the Rainbow Lorikeets and Honey eaters are enjoying the change in diet.
About 20 feet away is an African Tulip tree (Spathodea something or other) which they are now leaving for the Galahs and Corellas to feed upon.

Overdue update

2011-01-07T12:25:00.000+10:00

How my garden has grown in three years!Taken from same spot as my posting back in January 2008!
At the far end of the garden is a mirror...which always gives new visitors a surprize to see themselves amongst the foliage.
And the reclining Buddha is on the back patio, for peace & serenity.
I can see him from the dining room as I compose this posting

Kurli's garden in January

2008-04-06T21:54:00.000+10:00

So much has happened in my life in the past six months:
My darling husband lost his battle with Prostate cancer;my son and family have moved from Darwin to Rockhampton; and my daughter's marriage has disintegrated.
But Nature keeps rolling through the seasons and these are viwes (over the fence) of the surroundings of Kurlis Kottage in January.
The red blossom in the background are those of the south African Tulip tree (Spathodea "something"
The varying greens of foliage in the foreground is Poinciana "regis"??

This pink blossom...also in neighbour's back yard is Euoedia......a rain forest tree of far north Queensland.It does not tolerate frost easily,but being close to the coast,seems to thrive.

Latterly, a view of my back yard before my Rosella bushes went to "jungle mania mode"
Go visit http://kenmaurscorner.blogspot .com to see how crazy they grew.

Frustrated with Blogger

2007-07-08T21:55:00.000+10:00

Okay! So now Blogger will let me blog at Kurliskottage...........

Will publish this and see if I can do the same at KenMaursCorner!

More Journal quilts

2007-04-15T18:39:00.000+10:00

A year of Journal quilts

2007-04-15T18:31:00.000+10:00

Farewell Jesse

2007-03-22T15:33:00.000+10:00

The "new" Kurli's Kottage

2007-03-01T10:38:00.000+10:00

These pictures are one of the reasons I chose this house.........the feeling of serenity inspired by Lord Buddha in the front garden. A wonderful feeling of serenity!

KenmaursCorner: My work area!

2007-02-26T17:43:00.000+10:00

KenmaursCorner: My work area!

Forty six years

2007-01-28T18:13:00.000+10:00

Today is our forty sixth wedding anniversary
Although Perth is experiencing similar tempretures to what we had that Australia Day weekend it is slightly cooler here in south east Queensland where we now live!

Forty six years ago this weekend,Perth was in the grip of a heatwave;parts of the southwest of the state was under siege by bushfires;The little town of Dwellingup was razed.........one of my cousins lived and worked there and for a couple of days we had no idea whether he and his family were safe or not (remember we had NO mobiles or cell phones then and telephone systems were down due to the fires)

Oh our wedding day! The start of an interesting life together..........ups,downs; joy,tears,laughter and heartbreak.
And except for the heartbreak of losing our second son I wouldn't change a thing.
Thanks Ken for being the best thing to happen to me!

We are re-locating,as some of you know,and today's debate with our family centred on WHAT to name our new home----
Do we take the Kenmark sign on the gate,or let our son Mark have it?
Do we choose KenMaurs Corner.........now where have I seen that before?
Or maybe settle for Kurlies Kottage?

The jury is still out.

Possum up a mango tree

2007-01-27T23:39:00.000+10:00

Remember this?

2007-01-27T23:28:00.000+10:00

Round about December 13 I managed this pic of Mumma Ringtail and her two "babies" balancing on the electricity inline to the house.(western side)

Two weeks ago the birds made me aware of one of the babies sheltering in the Mango tree on the eastern side of the house.

This afternoon.some blue-browed honey- eaters and a magpie were proclaiming that "something" was not quite right!'
There in the upper canopy of the Mango tree were two (smallish) ring-tailed possums.

Maybe the fact that next door to the Mango is an "icecream tree" which is both flowering and fruiting has some influence on WHY the juveniles are camping there............

Australia Day 2007

2007-01-26T17:36:00.000+10:00

Today is our National day,when we commemorate the beginning of modern Australia in 1788. Today is for me and my family a fervent Thanksgiving that we are privileged to live in such a wonderful FREE and democratic country.

To my Australian friends: Happy Australia Day!

Lounge lizard

2007-01-07T13:37:00.000+10:00

KenmaursCorner: Lounge lizard

2007-01-07T13:35:00.000+10:00

KenmaursCorner: Lounge lizard

Caught in the act!

2006-11-24T17:35:00.000+10:00

Prayer

2006-11-21T20:26:00.000+10:00

The following arrived in an email,and I think it's worth sharing:

Thank You Lord

Thank you for the little things
That fill my heart with hope,
For thinking of these little things
Sure seems to change the scope...

Budding flowers, seedling trees,
A warm afternoon and a cool summer breeze;

The lady bug, the butterfly
Big puffy clouds in a baby blue sky;

The clover patch, the honey bee,
A Sunday brunch or afternoon tea;

The sparkle of a midnight star,
And wishing on it from afar;

The calming effect of an evening rain,
As it taps against the window pane.

For all these things I can't complain!
So, when my life seems rough to me
I think of all your kindness brings,
And I find my spirits lifted up,
For you truly give my soul its wings.

(Author Unknown)

I don't normally pass on prayers or impose my beliefs on others,but I truly feel these thoughts are worth sharing..........please accept it in the spirit in which it is offered.

Perfect princess

2006-11-07T20:49:00.000+10:00

It's been a while since I blogged here! Life has been busy......trying to "downsize" my stash and cleaning up prior to putting house and land on the Market;
Nearly 10 days in bed with a chest infection;
buying a Janome Xpressions Needle punching machine;
admiring the new families that the adult birds are introducing to our "feathered free-loaders restuarant.............
so I give you..........
Cadbury,our perfect princess! Isn't she a sweetie!

Our Jesse

2006-10-20T15:53:00.000+10:00

Our Jesse certainly knows how to make himself comfortable!

I've just laundered three white embroidered cushions,and to keep them clean and fresh, I positioned them on the head rests of the sofa!
His Lordship thought otherwise.......
and this is how I found him a short while ago!

Another favourite of mine

2006-10-18T16:04:00.000+10:00

....among the blossom trees is the Bauhinia,also known as an "Orchid tree"

Unfortunately,by the time I got around to photographing it,most of the blooms are gone---helped on their way by the Rainbow Lorikeets and Scaly breasted parrots enjoying not only feeds of nectar but a good munch on the flowers too!

I have only the pink variety:there is also a white!

Wisteria tree

2006-10-18T15:45:00.000+10:00

Each year I wait to see how many blooms my "wisteria tree" puts out for Spring!

It was a seedling I bought at the local Historical Society markets some 18 years back.

What it's true name is I have no idea as I acquired it as a Wisteria tree and have been unable to determine it's botanical name.

It's about 8 foot tall...and each year despite keeping an eye on its progress its blossoms always catch me by surprise.

Cats make my day!

2006-10-18T15:16:00.000+10:00

My friend Jacqui in the UK thought I needed a smile or three:
http://http://shadowdane.shackspace.com/cats.htm

As another friend asked:

How could anyone not love cats

Backyard birds

2006-10-08T16:10:00.000+10:00

This photo was taken yesterday,and features two Scaly breasted Lorikeets and one Rainbow Lorikeet!

The three birds decided it was time for an afternoon snack on our side verandah.........to maintain good "inter species relationship",they got their snack,and I was permitted to get within 3 feet of them with the camera!

Moonglow

2006-10-06T21:31:00.000+10:00

I'm still learning how to use my new camera!

About 7p.m. tonight I realised that the moon was neatly placed in a gap in the branches of a gum tree in the back yard.
Time to have a play
With the focus set to 'landscape' and the Flash "off" I took a few shots.
On the monitor,the photo looked a bit pixillated,but a degree of editing helped improve things (I think)

In my opinion the first pic is clearer than the second.
More 'fun times'/experimenting ahead!

I see the future..........

2006-10-05T09:06:00.000+10:00

These are three postcards I sent out for the FATs "Crystal Ball Swap!

The top one " I see stars" features a butterfly ,and star sequins against a background of Angelina fibres.,and I stitched hand outlines each side of the ball.

The other two I incorporated Australian stamps with star sequins,glitter and some Angelina to produce "I see Mail" and
"I see a cat in your future".
(People who know me fairly well know to expect a cat somewhere in my projects)

This was a fun swap that caused me to move outside my comfort zone.

Hanging out.........

2006-10-03T15:46:00.000+10:00

Another two galahs waiting for a "table for two".

...and over the other side,

2006-10-03T15:42:00.000+10:00

and whilst the Galahs were in the tree out the front,two Sulphur Crested cockatoos were hanging out in the Crepe-myrtle tree at the side of the yard.

A couple of Galahs!

2006-10-03T15:35:00.000+10:00

I haven't shared any of my bird pics lately,so..here's a pair of galahs that visit regularly

Wacky women & pincushions

2006-09-21T16:36:00.000+10:00

Next month my youngest grand-daughter's school is holding a (fund raising) fete,and her mother is involved with the Crafts stall.
So,I've been puddling along,making pot holders,pin cushions and wacky women!
Kayla has done her bit too....when she was visitng a couple of weekends back,I had her cutting strips of fabric for the wacky wild women,and she also made her own to take home.

My thanks to Faery Di for the idea and sample.

The pin cushions I thought, could be used for storing brooches instead of sewing pins,and should be affordable for the kids to buy as Christmas presents for Mums,Grans,even end of year gift for teacher.
So far,one has been made to represent a cake.I must try a few more as wacky gifts.
A cake that doesn't end up on your hips.............
I like that!

Feathered free loaders.......

2006-09-15T17:09:00.000+10:00

Two of the many Rainbow Lorikeets that 'drop in' for a snack.

Yesterday morning I saw one of our annual visitors down by one of our dams;
A Jabiru was apparently checking out the area for food,but the nearby traffic unsettled him and he left before I could get a shot with the camera.

Spring has sprung........

2006-09-15T17:04:00.000+10:00

Nestlings are hatching,and their parents are busy getting food to fill their beaks.
Our resident pair of Magpies(this is the cock bird) know they can always get a meal here.
If our cats decide their meat is "not good enough" the magpies and the Butcher birds
clean up.
Here's MrMag on one of the occasional tables on the back patio stocking up before flying back to his demanding family.

Sunset

2006-09-09T18:28:00.000+10:00

Today's sunset over the D'Aguilar Range

Moonrise

2006-09-07T18:38:00.000+10:00

Taken 5.45 pm today: the full moon overlooks our back paddocks.
WHY would I want to live anywhere else!

Spring is sprung

2006-09-05T18:25:00.000+10:00

Last week's 73 mm of rain may not have broken the drought conditions in our area,but Mother Nature has certainly responded to the lifegiving showers;
Our Freesias are blooming beautifully and perfuming the air ,so I thought I'sd share with you.

KenmaursCorner: Women who Blog

2006-08-27T18:10:00.000+10:00

KenmaursCorner: Women who Blog

King Parrots

2006-08-23T14:16:00.000+10:00

Up until now,I tended to think of the King Parrots are being rather shy birds,but this guy was around before the tree-loppers arrived and this shot was taken within 15 minutes of them leaving.
The feed bowls that had been at the front of the house had been relocated to the side,in this thicket and as you can see the parrot apparently was unaffected by chain saws,wood-chippers and strangers!

All we want now,is good soaking RAINS!
...after I spread that mountain of mulch.

The end result

2006-08-23T14:09:00.000+10:00

The fellows have departed after a couple of hours,and this is now the view of the front of the house.
The cockatoos have been and voiced their disapproval over losing their feeding station,but the King Parrot was seen happily munching seed from a relocated tray.

In the process in cleaning up long grass near one of the sheds,a Black snake was disturbed...........I'm hoping it continued east across the paddocks.
The weather is warming up.....about 26 degree C,so we're getting closer to "snake season"---time to watch where you step!

What have I done!

2006-08-23T09:33:00.000+10:00

This is what my front yard looked like at 7am today!
Since then,the tree-loppers have arrived to do a clean-up!

For the longest time,I've delayed the decision about a short-back-and sides for the vegetation,because:
1.. it would upset all the birds that come to visit
2..make it difficult for the possums to have races on the roof
3..I hate leafless,branchless trees!

Okay,the men arrived and have been ruthless!

(I'll post pics later to show what I mean)
In the meantime I feel devastated at what I've permitted to happen.

My head says "It had to be done before the onset of the storm season"

My heart bleeds at the stark reality!

I can only pray that we have a good Spring/growing season and all returns to lush vegetation.

At least the northern side of the yard is still leafy, so the birds still have refuge and the possum box is undisturbed.

Time for a dip

2006-08-11T11:50:00.000+10:00

One of the reasons I changed cameras,was the hope that I'd manage better bird shots.!
I have a loooooong way to go!
These "double bar finches" were checking out the water for a splash!

Weekend away

2006-08-08T18:05:00.000+10:00

Taken from the Murwillumbah Art Gallery lookout east to the coast.Gorgeous country!

South of the border..........

2006-08-08T17:46:00.000+10:00

I ventured "south of the border" last weekend,into northern New South Wales into the Tweed Valley area and was nearly blown off Point Hastings by gale force winds.
I love the sea when she's wild and free!
Both these photos were taken from the same spot:the first is looking north,the second is to the South; and taken only five minutes apart!

Drongos

2006-07-23T16:59:00.000+10:00

NO,not the politically incorrect Aussie epithet of years ago,meaning a dull witted or stupid person,
but a distinctive iridescent black birdwith red eyes;
stout black bill surrounded by bristles and having a long fishtail- shaped tail.

A migratory bird,our visitor ('he" chases other drongos away) arrives in April and hangs around until sometime in November.
Most of its food consists of flying insects taken in flight,but 'ours" doesn't mind swooping and catching a small piece of raw meat thrown in the air.

In black and white

2006-07-20T15:54:00.000+10:00

Not all our bird visitors are colourful........On the left is a male adult Magpie;
The drab one on the right is one of last year's hatchlings an immature magpie with it's father keeping an eye on proceedings.

The two birds central stage are Pied Butcher birds.
Great mimics of other bird song,their normal call is very similar to the opening stanza of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony.
When the whole family ( seven or eight, currently) burst into song about 1.30pm most days,who needs the Boston Pops!
These Butcher birds also share as a group in the rearing of the chicks when they arrive;the previous year's hatching act as baby-sitters and feeders for the newest chicks.
Their name derives from the fact that they tend to "hang" their spare food (grubs,lizards,frogs) in crevices in bark or from twiggy branches.

Of course,there are always opportunists........Magpies,Currawongs;Crows and Black-faced Cuckoo shrikes who will rob the pantry.

Breakfast with the birds

2006-07-19T14:49:00.000+10:00

One of the many Rainbow Lorikeets who "free-load" at our place

Foreman material!

2006-07-19T14:45:00.000+10:00

Jesse never knows whether he's feline or human: regardless,he has
to check everything out...even the ride-on mower

Begonia

2006-07-18T17:19:00.000+10:00

Tiny Begonia blossom....leaves of "cathedral Begonia" in the background

A pair of Galahs

2006-07-18T17:09:00.000+10:00

Regular visitors to our yard for a free feed.These galahs are the first birds captured with the new digital camera....the extra 12X zoom is great!

Mark your diary..........QUILTMANIA

2006-06-26T19:44:00.000+10:00

The jury is out.............

2006-06-22T16:28:00.000+10:00

This is the result of today's attempt at making "Elephant-apple jelly"!
Somehow,I don't think the elephants will be getting too much competition from 'yours truly'---taste tests make me think it will be too sweet for my taste buds,but I'll leave the final verdict until it cools and possibly sets a little more.
In the meantime,take a closer look at the picture---
I had been going to crop it tighter,until I noticed one of our regular feathered free-loaders ( a Sulphur crested Cockatoo) outside in a feeder,and keeping an eye on proceedings

Elephant apples,anyone?

2006-06-22T10:32:00.000+10:00

Until yesterday,I'd never heardOf Elephant apples (dillenia indica),much less seen one!
(It's amazing what turns up at quilting groups isn't it!)
Anyway,Ann had some elephant apples to share,plus a recipe for making jelly from the fruit.
Needless to say,I had to try them,didn't I?
First up,a Google search revealed that officially they do exist and are known by various names ranging from Chulta (Indonesia) to wood apple,monkey apple and indeed elephant apple and that the trees grow to 50 foot in height.

Anyway I thought I'd share a pic with you...the matchbox in the foreground is for size comparison,and the fruits weighs between 500 and 750 gms.
I can understand why Ann says they don't park their car under the tree when it's in fruit......imagine the panel beaters bill!
Okay I'm now off the chop and cook.....will check in after the jelly-making exercise

Autumn leaves

2006-06-09T13:47:00.000+10:00

I found this beauty in a local bead shop,and thought to use it on my Autumn Crazy AJQ,but instead used only skeleton leaves,and will turn this into a pendant for moi

Bitten by the bug!

2006-06-03T20:29:00.000+10:00

My DiL has been seconded to the Arts and Craft stall for her daughter's school fete in October...........
AND she has been bitten by the "beading bug"............it seems to be a family concern,with mother,father and daughter getting involved.........
The family that beads together stays together....
I'll take better pics when I go visit! Promise.

2006-06-01T09:41:00.000+10:00

Another view.....

2006-05-21T17:49:00.000+10:00

of THE Yamaha!

Bikers and quilters.....

2006-05-21T17:39:00.000+10:00

After a few years without the wind in his face,our son Mark has gone back to two wheels!
He tracked us down at the Mountain Quilters' at Peachester today to show us his new baby!
Yes.....he did come in to the quilt show, and he bought beads and bead containers to take home to Kim.

PASCUA LAMA

2006-05-18T14:57:00.000+10:00

I don't very often get up on a soap box,and when I do,it's generally because my daughter has made me aware of something ......

PASCUA LAMA is a case in point!
Please read the following,and if you agree with the sentiments expressed,cut and paste the PETITION to an email and start circulating it among your friends.

Dear friends who care about our earth. Judge for yourself if you want to
> take action.
> In the Valle de San Felix, the purest water in Chile runs from 2 rivers,
> fed by 2 glaciers.
>
> Water is a most precious resource, and wars will be fought for it.
>
> Indigenous farmers use the water, there is no unemployment, and they
> provide the second largest source of income for the area.
>
> Under the glaciers has been found a huge deposit of gold, silver and other
> minerals. To get at these, it would be necessary to break, to destroy the
> glaciers - something never conceived of in the history of the world - and
> to make 2 huge holes, each as big as a whole mountain, one for extraction and
> one for the mine's rubbish tip.
>
> The project is called PASCUA LAMA. The company is called Barrick Gold.
>
> The operation is planned by a multi-national company, one of whose members
> is George Bush Senior.
>
> The Chilean Government has approved the project to start this year, 2006.
>
> The only reason it hasn't started yet is because the farmers have got a
> temporary stay of execution.
>
> If they destroy the glaciers, they will not just destroy the source of
> specially pure water, but they will permanently contaminate the 2 rivers
> so they will never again be fit for human or animal consumption because of
> the use of cyanide and sulphuric acid in the extraction process.
>
> Every last gramme of gold will go abroad to the multinational company and
> not one will be left with the people whose land it is. They will only be
> left with the poisoned water and the resulting illnesses.
>
> The farmers have been fighting a long time for their land, but have been
> forbidden to make a TV appeal by a ban from the Ministry of the Interior.
>
> Their only hope now of putting brakes on this project is to get help from
> international justice.
>
> The world must know what is happening in Chile. The only place to start
> changing the world is from here.
>
> We ask you to circulate this message amongst your friends in the following
> way. Please copy this text, paste it into a new email adding your
> signature and send it to everyone in your address book.

Please will the 100th person to receive and sign the petition send it to noapascualama@yahoo.ca to be
> forwarded to the Chilean government.
>
> No to Pascua Lama Open-cast mine in the Andean Cordillera on the Chilean-Argentine frontier.
>
> We ask the Chilean Government not to authorize the Pascua Lama project to
> protect the whole of 3 glaciers, the purity of the water of the San Felix
> Valley and El Transito, the quality of the agricultural land of the region
> of Atacama, the quality of life of the Diaguita people and of the whole
> population of the region.
>
> Signature, City, Country

Ironic?

2006-05-01T18:10:00.000+10:00

"Help send a message of peace around the world!
The Dove of Peace flies from site to site, through as many countries as possible. It does not belong to ANY belief system.
Please help make a line around the globe by taking it with you to your site, by giving it to someone for their site, by passing it on to another continent or to the conflict areas of the world.
May trouble and strife be vanquished in its path."

Ironic isn't it that I saved this quote for my weblogs on the same day that an over zealous online moderator vented her spleen at yours truly!
Only regret I have is that I was unable to copy and save the gif that accompanied the message.........it might have flown on to a certain site as a reminder!

A postcard from..........

2006-04-27T14:45:00.000+10:00

British Columbia!
Today's mail yielded this beautiful postcard from Vivian K in British Columbia,Canada.
Vivian has printed onto fabric a photograph of
"Golden Ears Mountains reflected on Allouette River after the first fall of snow"
The print has then been embellished with machine stitching to represent forest and reflections.

My photography does not do justice to a beautiful piece.

Thank you, Vivian!

Foreman material

2006-04-27T13:35:00.000+10:00

Jesse has to check whether it conforms to workplace health and safety!

This morning's villains..............

2006-04-26T09:54:00.000+10:00

Don't you love it when...........

2006-04-26T09:49:00.000+10:00

................the quiet day you planned goes rapidly downhill before you even get out of bed!
Early this morning(well it was early for me because I'd planned a lie in,or as Darilyn puts it a beach day)
I was disturbed by a persistant horn beeping just after 7am;
finally curiousity got the better of me and there at our front gate was a good samaritan informing me that
"Your cattle are loose on the road.You'd better do SOMETHING!!"

Okay,we have land and cattle do graze there..............NOT our cattle though!
A neighbour gets free ajistment as long as he maintains fences and pasture.
Get back inside phone cattle owner to come round up his beasties and another neighbour phones.......:"do you know....??"
Finally get owner, do traffic warden bit slowing down traffic;
Breakfast is an hour and a half late;Said cattle owner returns from driving cattle back to their block and complains that "Your fence is down and that's where my cattle got out"
STIFF!
Anyway half morning is gone and so have my plans for a peaceful morning sewing.

Things I'm grateful for:
Good neighbours
Living in Australia
Summer is over
Strong black coffee to jump start me each morning

What sort of coffee.............

2006-04-15T17:11:00.000+10:00

After telling Eva over at Eva's Crazyness that I preferred my coffee "Black and strong" I thought I ought to see what coffee I am...........

You are a Black Coffee

At your best, you are: low maintenance, friendly, and adaptable

At your worst, you are: cheap and angsty

You drink coffee when: you can get your hands on it

Your caffeine addiction level: high

What Kind of Coffee Are You?

Just about spot on,except that I don't have a high caffeine addiction.(Truly)

Back-yard visitor

2006-04-13T15:45:00.000+10:00

Whilst refilling the two bird baths a short time ago,I glanced up to see this fellow hanging around.
As our neighbour is a designated wild life carer,my guess is that this" bloke" had been attracted by the calls of the long term inhabitants of the bat cage(March/April is breeding season I believe) and stopped in our shrubbery for a rest.
More about bats/fruit bats can be found here

Kamikaze lorikeet

2006-04-13T15:39:00.000+10:00

Whilst the Sulphur-crested cockatoos enjoy a drink,a Rainbow lorikeet streaks by...too fast for my little digital to catch!

Chow time!

2006-04-13T15:31:00.000+10:00

Possum

2006-04-08T14:25:00.000+10:00

The third member of our cat family: Possum!
I think Domino would be more apt....with her "mask".
A sweet natured cat (around her humans) she rules the other two with "the LOOK"!
This old lady is (as far as we can work out) 14 or 15 years old, and was originally a street kid at RAAF Base Amberley before our daughter adopted her.

Internal view

2006-04-08T12:59:00.000+10:00

Don't you just love a bag that has pockets for storing EVERTHING?
I do!
Six pockets hold mobile;comb,notebook;pocket book; keys....and you still have a great volume for other important things.........like new threads,fabrics,magazine...

Relaxing

2006-04-08T12:46:00.000+10:00

After exploring the house yard checking out what visited during the night(hares and possums probably,as we live in a rural area) Jesse takes his ease on the side patio,because Cadbury BEAT him to the bed!

Jesse

2006-04-08T12:44:00.000+10:00

Jesse doing what he does best........
RELAXING

There's a nip in the air.........

2006-04-08T12:21:00.000+10:00

and Cadbury thinks snuggled into a quilt is THE place to be!Autumn is here and the temperature is dropping,thankfully,as it's been a long hot and humid summer.
Further south in Fall's Creek in Victoria they had the first snow for the season.June long weekend is usually the start of the ski season down there.

KenmaursCorner: CQ Crazy: Hearts for Jan

2006-03-23T09:19:00.000+10:00

KenmaursCorner: CQ Crazy: Hearts for Jan

The green green grass of home

2006-03-20T16:16:00.000+10:00

View from our (southern) side verandah:

Ticket to sail

2006-03-17T16:54:00.000+10:00

In my usual fashion I managed to post this to my KenmaursCorner blog when it should have gone here.I guess I can blame that on the irish in me!

March 17: The day for the wearing of the green

2006-03-17T11:42:00.000+10:00

Today,March 17 is celebrated as St Patrick's Day.
And I can't let the day go by without acknowledging my Irish heritage........not that I know much about the facts.
My father was proudly first generation Australian and though he acknowledged emotional and religious ties to the old country he didnt pass on much information.

As a child in Western Australia,St Patrick's Day celebrations were GREAT.
The metropolitan catholic schools assembled at Subiaco Oval for an open air Mass and picnic after the Mass.
The Sunday nearest to THE day His Majesty's Theatere was used for a St Patrick's day concert,where the ceilings were raised to the tunes of "Come back to Erin",
"I'll take you home again,Kathleen" "Oh Danny boy".....and Irish dancing.You get the picture!
The Saturday evening would see St Paddy's day balls and dances in all the local halls;It was a great time for the Irish.

My paternal grandparents immigrated to WA in 1898;My maternal great grandfather arrived in Queensland in the 1830s.
I'm so glad they made the voyage so that I could live in the best country in the world.
I include a pic of my parents in Killarney in 1972 as dad attempted to renew/find Family

After the storms..........

2006-03-06T21:41:00.000+10:00

For nearly a week we have had bad weather: rain (over 200 mls) winds (up to 110 k per hour) and today as kids go back to school and adults return to work after the weekend,the weather clears.
This was the view from our front gate at 6.30pm............we don't have twilght in the sub tropics!
"Red sky at night,shepherd's delight"
I LOVE living here!

Cadbury,the princess

2006-03-03T17:31:00.000+10:00

If Jesse can be featured on your blog..........so can I!
Miss Cadbury,strutting her stuff!
She LOVES being photgraphed!

King of the cats

2006-03-01T20:56:00.000+10:00

At the moment,to celebrate the first day of Autumn,the temperature has dropped to about 25 degree C and 80% relative humidity and, it's raining!
Subsequently the cats reckon it's good indoor weather!
After spreading the multicoloured blanket over the sofa to protect it and my white cushions from black fur,Jesse decided to do his own arrangement to suit his comfort!

Another orchid

2006-03-01T18:00:00.000+10:00

I think this one is a dendrobium.whatever,it's got several spikes which look really great

The orchids are blooming

2006-03-01T17:56:00.000+10:00

It's been a while since I posted any pics.This Dendrobium biggibum has two gorgeous flower spikes at the moment

Home view

2006-02-17T14:54:00.000+10:00

The view from our front gate,west to the D'Aguilar Range.Nothing spectacular,but it's "home sweet home"

Glasshouse Mountains

2006-02-17T14:49:00.000+10:00

So named by Captain Cook as he sailed up Deception bay in the 1700s because the shimmer on these volcanic plugs when seen from the Bay reminded him of the glass-houses of Yorkshire

River bank:

2006-02-17T09:22:00.000+10:00

Examining this pic and then referring to the posting below,I realise how radically I've deviated from what I was trying to accomplish.
I think maybe I got too carried away with the sparkling blue ........so back to the basics!Ochre yellow/red clay river bank........maybe gravelly rocks----

Major landscaping required

2006-02-17T09:14:00.000+10:00

Nobody will be able to accuse me of not sharing my disasters!
This is my current attempt at my February art journal quilt!At least the journalling side of it is getting a severe workover as I rehash plans and notes,even if the fabric/fibre isn't going the way I hoped.
The top left hand corner is meant to be a barren ,dried out degraded river bank;the right corner and sides: scrubby sparse vegetation.
Will try cutting,snipping,scorching tearing the greens/browns into smaller bits and see how that works.
So, back to the salt mine!

Highwire walker

2006-02-13T20:39:00.000+10:00

It's 8.30pm Monday,Feb 13th and I went outside to bring Jesse in from his evening contemplation of the stars!
Some 3 metres above the driveway I noticed a dark shape on the overhead wire to the house;All I could distinguish was a white "tip" hanging down.
Was it a night bird?
I raced back indoors and grabbed my faithful digicam:

No,not a bird,but a ring-tailed possum waiting for the coast to be clear in order to have a feed from the bird trays!
He/she sat patiently whilst I used the flash and my little Kodak and this is one of 10 or so shots.Apologies for not having clearer shot,but.......................!

Update on Jesse

2006-02-09T22:11:00.000+10:00

The results of histology confirmed that Jesse has a Basal Cell carcinoma on his right side.
The good news from the Vet is that "usually these are benign in cats"
and because of Jesse's advanced years (15) we will adopt a watching and waiting brief,because DrEric does not G.A.procedures on elderly animals.
So we can hope that (periodic) needle aspiration of the cystic fluid keeps the old boy comfortable and that the neoplasms don't develop too quickly.

To look at our black panther you'd think nothing was amiss:eating well,harassing Cadbury in a big brotherly way...(she HATES his attempts to groom her) and doing laps of the back yard at top speed.

Cat quiz

2006-02-02T14:22:00.000+10:00

I couldn't resist it: What cat are you?
You are a Random cat! Also known as an alley cat

or a mutt. You aren't given to high-falutin'

ways, but you're accessible and popular.

People love you for who you are, not what you

are.

What breed of cat are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

Another view

2006-02-01T11:40:00.000+10:00

The caravan (Regent Extreme off-road) and the 4WD vehicle are ours;the canoe is our daughter and son-in-law's.

Australia Day 2006

2006-01-30T20:01:00.000+10:00

Queensland: BEAUTIFUL one day! PERFECT the next!
Australia Day (January 26,2006) on the beach at Inskip Point and across the water is the southern point of Fraser Island

January 28

2006-01-28T10:59:00.000+10:00

Today is our 45th Wedding anniversary!

When our big day occurred forty five years ago I had no conception of how long "forever" or "till death us do part" would be.

On a personal note I can truly say that Ken has been my strength and my support,my friend and the wind beneath my wings.

Chirpy is thriving

2006-01-22T12:05:00.000+10:00

Remember the orphan from the storm,a few weeks back?
"Chirpy" is alive and thriving by all accounts.
My son built him his own house and KJ is feeding and loving him

Cock of the walk!

2006-01-20T10:09:00.000+10:00

The male King Parrot !

Himself and the birds

2006-01-20T10:06:00.000+10:00

Totally unaware of what's going on behind his back!

Why my schedules go out the window!

2006-01-20T10:00:00.000+10:00

My day was planned! Stitch with some friends,visit the Library,do some shopping for fabric and food;then I looked out the window!
A pair of King parrots (who only come to visit when it's raining and windy) had popped in for morning tea.
Out with the trusty digital and into stalking mode: I finally got within about four feet of them----after husband had reversed car out of car-port,done a wander around the yard and finally left me and the birds in peace!
With visitors like these,WHY would I want to live anywhere else!

Traffic alert!

2006-01-15T11:26:00.000+10:00

It's Ken's birthday tomorrow,and the family came up last night for a BBQ to celebrate their Dad's birthday.
So,what do you give a man that doesn't want/need anything.............

Why
his very own
Traffic alert of course!

Built for comfort.........

2006-01-13T10:30:00.000+10:00

......and NOT speed is our Possum!
A sweeter natured cat you couldn't find----
until
it's time to give Jesse the evil eye,because he's forgetting "his place".Talk about politics in the cat world!

Early morning

2006-01-13T10:17:00.000+10:00

One of my first "chores" each morning is to put feed out for our feathered free-loaders;Here are two Magpies(the batch of babies that arrived last Spring )
and a pied Butcher bird sharing some cat biscuits.

About three feet away from the birds is Possum (our "keg-on-legs") enjoying a roll on the dewy grass.

What book title am I/

2006-01-12T16:31:00.000+10:00

I felt it was "time" for another quiz..........this was the result!Funny,but i actually went and bought three DVDs of this series today.

Update on orphan Annie

2006-01-12T15:11:00.000+10:00

Latest update on the orphan of last week's storm:

Yes chirpy is doing just fine.
Still eating, drinking and shitting well.
Doesn't appear that any birds have come in to investigate him.

I 'm not game to ask if he's still free in the laundry,or confined to a cage!

Jesse

2006-01-09T10:39:00.000+10:00

Fabric

2006-01-09T10:19:00.000+10:00

A friend who is also a catlover sent me this Link to Tropical Screamer & Tropical Dreamer I thought you might like to have a peek.

I'm very tempted at the moment to send Jesse(our black "panther") back to his mum:Last night he thought he'd amputate my left little finger by gnawing it off!
Now Jesse is normally a pretty docile moggie,but last night..............
it finally took a hearty whack to get him to stop the attack!
Trust me,my finger is sore today.