Springing Spring

I wish you could smell this picture. The Star Jasmine on the veranda is about to burst with flowers. It will be heavy with perfume. Also there is a great deal of blossom on our citrus trees. We have 5 in pots as our soil isn't really the right type. As you come on to the veranda the scent almost knocks you over. The bottle brush shrubs are laden with flowers too and the birds are chasing in and out of them doing what ever birds do in the spring - tra la!! We filled the little bird bath that hangs in the tree, and watched as the Fairy Wrens hopped and splashed in the water having a wonderfully refreshing time. The weather is just right (for me) at the moment. Its about 23 degrees C and not too hot and not too cold. So if you are thinking of coming to Australia, I think that October is the time to come. See you soon! (Though not all at once.)

Week-End

We had a very good weekend as the local cafe, "Chatters" had another evening of music and food on Friday. There weren't so many musicians as last time but the atmosphere was good and there where 3 couples in our party which was fun.
On Sunday as it was fine we went to the local town (well,40 kms away)to the 'Camp Oven and Country Festival.' There was plenty of country music and whip cracking, old vehicles, blacksmiths, and bric-a-brac stalls as well as craft and food. The trouble was I forgot to take my camera and not having a modern mobile phone I couldn't take any pictures. Pity about that.
Today I have bought some new compost to fill the tubs with the citrus trees in. we had 16 mandarins on that tree and quite a few lemons too. There are still about 6 grapefruits ripening. But the poor mulberry tree is like a weeping mulberry as it is so full of fruit. Now it is warmer they should soon ripen so I think I will have a fruit picking party. I hope it all happens soon before the branches break.

On the BOOK FRONT I am reading "The Consolations of Philosophy" by Alain De Botton, and "Black Mamba Boy" by Nadifa Mohamed.

Awaking the Dinosaur.

I feel it is about time I started to Blog again. I can't believe it is so long since I put anything here. Life runs a race I think.
It Has been a very chilly winter through which I have been fighting chest infections and coughs. Now it is warmer, and wetter, I am feeling much improved.
Each week I am working for 11 hours at the local library which is great. I even had to take the story and craft time a few weeks ago, which went pretty well. Since we moved to the bigger (and better) library the readership numbers have zoomed as have the numbers of books in the library. So it's pretty busy. Since the assistant left in July it has been really hectic as she hasn't been replaced with regular help and some days you are not sure if you are coming or going.
I had a trip to the UK from mid June until mid July.Unfortunately John didn't come with me. Visiting Matthew and Ania in Exeter, Chris in London, Martin and Cathy in Bedford, friends near Abergavenny, and Judy and James (sister-in-law) near St Davids was really good. And of course I had a wonderful time "Grannying" with Nicholas and Bethany. Ben and Louisa even had a night away which was a privilege to help with, as Grandma and I minded the children.
Now Spring is springing in rapidly here and I will put up some photos. We have a magnificent mulberry tree which is so full of fruit it is bent right over. Soon the Fruit Birds will come and feast on the ripe mulberries. By the look of it there will be plenty to go round
Labels: garden, Spring

Frosty Mornings.

It has been bitterly cold in the recent weeks. Especially when it is windy as today. Though there are often early frosts in a Queensland winter, this year some have still been about at 7.30 a.m. Thankfully with the new wood burner stove John put in, the house remains fairly warm and it's great to 'rug-up' by the fire in the evenings.

Everyone is goign about in scarves, boots and hats. I never imagined using flannelette sheets in Australia!

I hurt my leg whilst walking the dogs a few weeks ago and had to have 12 stitches. These have now been taken out now, but it still aches a bit and is much too sore to kneel on. Another reason to put my feet up by the fire.

Back from the U.K.

It's an age since I wrote anything here.
I have been to the UK and back, seen all my lovely family and lots of great friends.
Thank you all for your hospitality and kindness. It was so good to catch up with everyone.
From wet Wales with a damp walk up to White's Castle, down to sunny walks by the river and canal in Exeter, it was all wonderful.(Photo is of river in Exeter.) Another uplifting walk was by the blossom wreathed Priory Marina in Bedford. As it was early May the birds were "singin' their 'eads orf!!" Also masses of spring flowers were out along by the paths and in the meadows. I was delighted as I know the names of these flowers; dandelion, bluebell, campion, stitchwort and more!!