Pride

Raise the Flag!  We usually launch our flag a few days before Australia Day.  But, given recent events, it's up early.  I feel such immense pride in so much of our country.  The way Australians have reached out to each other during our time of crisis is beyond words.  Such much has been donated and said, I don't want to sound like a news reporter, so I'll leave it at that.  My friends and loved ones who read my blog will be having a lot of the same feelings I'm sure.

To anyone in the world who is having a hard time feeling courageous right now, I offer you this....

"Courage doesn't always roar.  Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I'll try again tomorrow."   - Mary Anne Radmacher

My loved one and I enjoyed some time out for some fresh air and fish n chips.  If we take the time to look, there is beauty all around us.  We saw the moon rising over Moreton Bay (who is in shock from recent innundations) as the sun disappeared behind the clouds, we lost count of how many very happy dogs were relishing their afternoon walk along the waterfront, stopping to say gidday to their mates and making new friends.  And I'll tell you something for a fact... if you ever need to socialise your dog, go to Sandgate! We saw families together, laughing, happy and we saw the looks on people's faces as they witnessed what the tide had washed in.  Although not all of us have been able to be out helping with the physical cleanup, our love and compassion is outpouring.   There is still so much debris washing into the shore, mostly branches and sticks and bits of wood.  We watched a Blue Heeler literally leaping around in the shallows from one stick to another, either unable to find the stick his master had thrown for him, or unable to decide which would be his favourite one to pursue.

and for the bigger dogs, how's this for choice?!?!

Love and Hope

Today I am sending love and hope to everyone affected by flood disasters, wherever they are in Australia.  It is emotional enough watching the news unfold, and runs even deeper into ones' soul when you have loved ones directly affected.  These photos are from the garden this morning  After having been pummelled by strong winds and rain for what must be weeks now, my magnolia and roses are offering beauty on a dark day.

It's a wonderful life

Greetings.  I hope you have had a happy day.  This photo is of solid timber heart that hangs on our wall.  "Life - it's a wonderful life".  What a wonderful positive affirmation to see and say every day. 

It is so easy to get caught up in the negative things happening around us.  I use this heart as a reminder that no matter what, I have a wonderful life.  I love my work, I have friends who value me and a family who loves me.  I wish the same for you.

We've had lots of rain this afternoon which made it quite dark outside.  As I was pottering around the house I noticed a bit of a golden glow outside.  I was just in time to see the last glimpse of a blazing golden sunset.  Not one of my best photos, but I feel a warmth from the richness of colour.

Update on the "happy place"...  Sofia continues to lay her daily egg under the Happy plant.  Louise today followed suit and also went to the happy place.  So much for my efforts the other day, cleaning out the chookhouse.  The big positive that came out of that grubby job was the massive amount of earthworms I uncovered in the process of digging over the chook run.  City Farm Chick in action, I carried shovel loads of fertile soil with worms, up to the front garden.  We have discussed the idea of establishing a worm farm.  Little did i realise, one had been created right under our noses, thanks to "the girls" for good digging and lots of manure.

Feathered friends

Today's lesson is about birds.....
Husband and I enjoyed a picnic at a local dam today.  As we sat at our chosen spot, two ducks came swimming along.  I threw a few lamington crumbs in their direction.  One whiff of the chocolate and coconut encased delight, and they were out of the water and heading our way.  Fresh out of lamingtons, we offered them some bun loaf which they loved.  Such a change from bugs and slimy stuff.   Don't they look happy and grateful?!

Then word got out.... someone told the swans.  So over they came.  I've never been up close with a swan before.  They are kind of like a cross between a duck and a goose, personality wise.  Happy to see you, like a duck.  Give me what you've got, like a goose.  So we handed over the bun loaf and no body got hurt.  We felt like the luckiest people at the Dam to be graced with the presence of such beautiful birds.  I reckon if we had have had a fish, we could have attracted the pelicans over the other side of the Dam.  But, we'll leave that for another day.

One more bird tale to share.  This is from our "city farm".  Two magnificent chooks (Australorp x Rhode Island Red) names Sofia & Louise live on the farm and provide much humour and fresh eggs.  Louise being the most humorous, as she can crow like a rooster.  What must the neighbours think?!?!?  I won't go into the theory behind this behaviour.  Anyway, Sofia has snubbed the lovely chookhouse in favour of a spot in the garden for laying her egg each day.  I call it her "happy place", since it is under a Happy Plant up near the house.  Here she is...

And this is what she produced.  Another perfect egg.  Don't you just love 'em.

Day two

I'm not sure why the date showing is the 1st of January, since today is the 2nd.  It must be in the settings somewhere.  Anyway, Day two of the new year and I have decided to try and take a photo of something beautiful (through my eyes) every day.  Not sure why I didn't think of this great idea yesterday...
So this morning, camera in hand, I was led to the front garden of our "city farm" as I like to call it.  It is a work in progress (whose garden isn't!)  I like an "eclectic" garden, so I have a mix of herbs, veges, lavender, magnolias, a lemon tree, cycads, and the mix goes on.  Here are a few pics...  

The beans are just starting to come along.  They rarely make it to the kitchen because I eat them as quick as I pick them.

I know this looks like what could be the front cover of a Gardening Australia magazine, but it's my garden.  Marigolds, lettuce, tomato, delicious!

My Jane McGrath rose is beginning to bloom again. Stunning and heartfelt.

I spy a bud on my Little Gem magnolia.  This plant has only been in the ground for a few months and my hard work is paying me back with such beauty.