Gardening

Lionel Ritchies interview on "Today" was charming. He was talking about the new grandchild and what they have decided to call Lionel as a grandpa. Keeping in line with the latest trends, of course, he's going to be known as G-Pa. He seemed pretty chuffed about that. I've also noticed that there is a place in NT now called K-Town.

Now I am also pretty chuffed because the S-Berrys I planted last year that didn't fruit have now decided to multiply. As a first time thing, its pretty exciting. I think I might do a portrait of the first born later, keeping you informed of the progress.

Pic of pregnant S-Berrys.

Saturdays Symphony

SATURDAY SYMPHONY
A chorus of melodies heralds the dawn,
A chaotic mix of harmonies,
The Whip birds’ cracking duet, a kookaburra’s cackle
Low whoop, staccato trill,
Chirping, chiming, and whistling as the winged residents awake.
Shimmering foliage, dappled green,
Flutter of wings, flash of yellow
Silent commandos descend, competing for a breakfast of berries
The regent’s golden plumage darts in the canopy.
A Satin bower bird with eye of burnished blue,
Drops to the undergrowth, hopping, surveying, silent
The little wattle bird harvests nectar from the banksias’ burnished blooms
A honey eater’s lilting song harmonises with the tinkling of bell birds.
Like a raucous interloper, a catbirds discordant cry breaks into the symphony
A cloud of twittering red browed finches searches for seed,
The plaintive cry of the black cockatoo is heard as it wheels overhead.
The plain grey shrike sings a beautiful melody, while the gaudy parrots can’t hold a tune
Bronze-wing pigeons perform their aerial ballet, as a waddling Wonga pigeon rustles in the undergrowth.
Clear felling, sameness, drabness.
Don’t let it happen.
Let’s preserve our remnant bush

By Colette Livermore

Colettes' latest new hobby is planting trees on her acreage for the birds to enjoy. A very inspirational lady, who may soon have her book published.

Thunder Storm

Last night we had a thunder and lighting storm. 2 claps of thunder, like wow!! I couldn't sleep because all those noises brought me back to being a little girl, frightened under the sheet. After awhile I remembered as I got older I used to sit up and watch the lightening, and too funny, our dog Sam running like a lunatic after the lightening. Most times the power would be out and it was humid, but the louvers were cold on my chin. The smell of the first rain after the dry, just the best.

Some clouds on my way home last night.

Strong Again

Guys, I've been off line for a short while because I have had another interview. I find that they are less exhausting as it goes on but I still need time to recover. This time I just went a bit blotchy instead of full on red. There was allot of writing by the scribe and I'm taking that as a good indication of having talked some kind of sense during that time.

Pic of the front porch. Not too welcoming at this stage.

Sandys Cool Shoes

Twas a problem solving day today. Thanks to VJ and Kev I now know my new Hi Fi doesn't work on all Ipods, rather than just mine. It was working before I went to get if fixed and since then it wont play.

Sandy and I solved most of the problems of the world at Coolimans new Michelle's Patisserie, where she shouted me a cap. Thanks GG. Resisted the temptation of the mud cake. ..Strong moonta girl that I am.

Learnt two new things today. 1. White tea is at the pinnacle of tea quality and 2. old style film can be made out of 8mm or 16 mm film. Now, I'm well on my way to being a know all.

Early Morning Ride

Of to a good start after a terrible nights sleep. A gentle weigh in at weight watchers, followed by a brisk ride. Id say I rode 3/4 of the way around this time. Interesting to see so many shopping trollys dumped right next to the lake. A bit different to what I was used to seeing by the river at my old town, where there would be casks and cans left there.

Cooking a roast lamb in the slow cooker today to see how it turns out. Shortly off to the National Gallerery of Australia to meet LJ for a coffee.

Qian Xun Xue

I'm really snitchity over the last few days about why the media keep referring to this sweet little girl as "Pumpkin" even though they know her name. Her name is the only powerful thing she has in her life. Don't give me the story the authorities want to protect her. I admit I don't know how to say her name, but I have a go anyway. Like Ori says "use it" empower her and the memory of Anan Liu her mother.

Lake ride

Took the stead to work with me today and went for a ride around the lake after work. It felt so good to be speeding along the bike path although I had forgotten about those insects that have a life too. I felt really normal getting around like all the other people on the track. I felt a certain freedom and elation, good for the soul.

Comments

Yes Moo, when you comment an email gets sent to my hotmail address and that notifies me a comment has been left. I then go to the blog and see what it says. Please dont give up, I luvem.

Saw this sign on the way home from work. Lauf!

Two interviews - no job.

Getting ready for the next round.

Hills

The stead has done wonders for my relationship with hills. I appreciate them very much more on the decent.

Jen has a problem with her view from the basket. She has to lean out so far to see around my bum, she almost falls out.

I love this photo, coz you can almost see her thinking "Turkey".

Biker Girl

Finally decided on a bike. Ive had lots of offers of people wanting to ride with me around the lake. Tomorrow morning if its not raining. I'm going to put Jen in the basket and go for a ride. I'm really looking forward to it. When I was doing test rides, I just wanted to keep going.

I remember my Nanna Mc used to ride a bike when she was in her 60s, so I have allot of pressure to live up to. Also Dads nearly 70 and hes still riding a bike and throws grog in to the equation, just to make it exciting.

Had word that I didn't get the job with the strange people and I'm very glad that they have offered to give me feedback.

Pic of the stead.

Dry Season

This morning I woke at about 5:15am because I heard a rooster crowing. God, I love waking up to that sound. I felt and smelt those dry season mornings where the chooks wake you up cos they want you to bring them the feather doona. I could smell the dew on the dry speargrass and see the Sirius clouds streaking the sky.

Here I am in the heart of the nation and I can hear a rooster. This place is too deadly.

My adored Canberra

Back home late last night. Jenny greeted me at the Taxi, followed by nanny in her nightie, telling me that Jenny was in too much pain. Jen looked absolutely normal to me and was jumping up and running around. Nanny said shed slipped Jen a few pain killers so she was probably stoned.

Anyway this morning she was still alive and kicking, but a bit doughy, so shes going to live.

Its so good to be back amongst people I can communicate with, although this weekend is going to be a people free one, so I can gather my strength back.

NLP

After 5 days in Sydney, I'm totally exhausted. Apparently it was very quiet due to the APEC restrictions, which suited me fine. I also stumbled upon an excellent Lebanese shop, where most days I sat down to a delicious lunch.

Seems I've managed to get a few good friends off side by not calling or catching up while there. Sorry friends :(

To be honest, I would have been no fun as the course was really intense and I was on the outer with the group for a large part of the time. I was in constant conversation with myself asking - do I have BO - am I too fo ugly - am I just too damn sexy??? Its all been a crack up really, because there were practitioners there that had consulting businesses in communicating.

View from the motel.

Words

A couple of regular readers have emailed me saying they never knew I had such a way with words. I guess since moving away from my old stamping grounds, where swearing is an accepted means of communication, Ive found I have to use other words now. Otherwise I would have nothing to say.

Pic of tree on my way home from work today.

Fathers Day

Happy Fathers Day Dad! I wish to be with you, enjoying your time on the block. I cant wait for you to come frolicking in the Tulips with me at Floriade.

This is a picture of Simmone and I with Dad and Dads father Merv. I really like this one because its very relaxed and we all look so happy.

The things I love most about Dad is his faithfulness, ability to look on the bright side of things, love of family,his caring nature and that quirky sense of humour.

You're the best Dad a girl (46) could ask for!