June in Canberra (the Australian Capital Territory) – Winter officially begins. It has been the coldest start to winter since 1964. Opening the house to the elements due to household Covid infections made June a particularly cold month. Life on the outside was better even if it was freezing. The sun came out occasionally and reminded us that winter days in Canberra can be glorious. Here are the highlights, largely courtesy of my True Love who took photos before and after his Covid infection. The poor man still seems very unwell to me but he takes beautiful photos nevertheless.

It snowed on the ranges in the period after my TL’s surgery and prior to his Covid infection. It was bleak but we were happy, happy, happy.*


The majesty.*


Then life got more complicated so I snatched a few moments in the garden.
My Eutaxia obovata (egg and bacon plant) that I planted last year clenched its leaves to conserve heat.


The galahs were contemplative.


The sun popped out and so did my TL and Pimelea physodes.* Lucky for us.


The Eastern spinebill chimed its arrival and stopped to freshen up.*


The prodigal Golden Whistler returned.*


The sun called me and I was off. T-shirt weather, baby!
The brittle gums (E. mannifera) up the hill were celebrating too.


The Eucalyptus cinerea were covered in galls. Something should eat those.


By this time (3 hours later), I wished I had packed my jumper.


Finally, one last photo for my neighbour, J, who is home with Covid. You had visitors today. They seemed to be gnawing on your tree rather than eating the seeds.


Anyway, back to the Covid situation. Canberra seems to have the highest rate per 100,000 people than any other Australian state or territory (NY Times tracks this stuff but maybe their data is wrong). Perhaps the number of infections is only now catching up with the rest of the country? On the other hand, there are now 122 people with Covid in our public hospital. That’s 122 people with Covid in a public hospital system that has somewhere between 600 to 670 public hospital beds and a huge number of hospital staff off sick. At the same time, elective surgeries in the public hospital system have been cancelled again. By my rough calculation, 15-20% of our public hospital beds are being occupied by people with Covid, as they should be if those people need hospital care. These stresses on the system do not seem to merit a “business as usual” approach. Furthermore, several patients and staff in the cancer ward have also caught Covid on the ward. I understand that staff, patients and visitors are required to have a RAT test to enter those highly sensitive areas. If our experience with the uselessness of the RATs is anything to go by, then that does seem like a Covid breach waiting to happen. That’s my opinion.

Anyway, anyway, I send my best wishes to my neighbour, J, for a speedy recovery. Ditto, my friend, Martha, in the States. My TL is none too well and he is in his third week post onset of his infection. Who knows what July will bring? Hopefully, cake. And a few sunny days. And good health. Especially good health.

This is my response to The Changing Seasons photo challenge, jointly hosted by Ju-Lyn (Touring My Backyard) and Brian (Bushboys World). Click on the links provided to check out Ju-Lyn and Brian’s challenge and create some memories by joining in.

But enough of me, how was your June? I hope you found a space for things that make you happy and keep you sane.

Take care, everyone. Stay safe, be kind and be you.
Kind Regards.
Tracy.

*Photos preceded by an asterix were taken by my True Love.

51 thoughts on “The Changing Seasons – June 2022”

  1. Egg and bacon plant…what a great name. How was June? Well, my state, Florida, was the only state to NOT pre-order Covid vaccines for children under five because, you know, we don’t need no stinkin’ vaccines. Our Surgeon General and Governor…I can only shake my head in wonder and disbelief.
    The photos are lovely, both yours and TL’s. Fingers crossed for cake.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. We also have plant called scrambled eggs. I would like a few of those too. 😄
      You have my sympathies, Lois. That type of extreme denialism confounds me. Weird how the emotionally and intellectually stunted can get elected like that.
      I’m looking forward to cake too, Lois, and the walks in the great outdoors that go with it.
      Good luck with July.

      Liked by 1 person

  3. My compliments to the photographers! I’m sorry to hear there is so much Covid in your area. People here seem to be taking a yeah, whatever stance on all the breakthrough infections. Still hunkered down in my house . . .

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I think it is the same everywhere, Liz. You can understand why people want to move on. I do too but I choose to move on with more caution. Our local government says our hospital system is up to the challenge and perhaps it is, but having encountered it several times recently, I can’t help be left with the impression that it running on adrenaline and has been for some time.
      Seize the day, Liz. Have some fun because your summer will be over soon, and no, that is not a metaphor. You need a camera. You would be amazed how many insects you can put up with when you have a camera. That is my lecture. Be well, my friend.

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      1. I would like nothing better than to move on from Covid, but I’m not about to deny reality and risk my health to do it. My husband and I have planned a day-long scenic drive on Sunday to enjoy the summer weather and take photos.

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  4. Hi Tracy, it’s me Bear. My human is weird. She saw your message and started to weep. I don’t know what’s going on with her, but we’re not taking walks so I’m a little concerned. Teddy guards her during the day. It’s my job at night. It’s not a very hard job, but we take it seriously. Martha says she hopes everyone in your house soon feels powerful and normal, especially your TL. I send greetings to your dogs and tell them to enjoy winter while they can. Your pal, Polar Bear Yeti T. Dog

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    1. Good job, Bear. Thank you for your message. I mean, thoughts. You and Teddy are doing an important job looking after your human. You know how you get anxious about storms, your Martha has been anxious about this Covid thing for a couple of years. That and having Covid can definitely make you feel weird. Hopefully, you’ll both be out walking soon and if Martha needs to rest on the walk that will give you plenty of time to exchange messages. Thank Martha for her words of encouragement. Normal is a flexible concept for us so that leaves us lots of leeway. Fynnie says that it is raining again here and that he refuses to go outdoors to leave messages until it is fine again. Makea says that some mornings there is ice in the water bowl and that is really fun.
      Stay cool, Bear. Your friends, Tracy, TL, Fynn, Makea and Ama.

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  6. Well, it’s high summer here, and Covid is rife, though somehow it doesn’t seem so bad when the sun is shining. God help us next winter when everyone has got totally unused to masks and Social Distancing. We’ll really know about it then. Hope your household starts to feel better really soon.

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    1. Margaret, the cold temperature and more indoor activities have definitely contributed to the number of cases. Other southern states are similarly affected. Combined with a more aggressive variant and other viruses, Covid has taken its toll on citizens, the health care system and workplaces. Winter is a risky time so enjoy your sunshine now.

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  7. That Golden Whistler is a beauty and very colorful. I’ve never seen one in the wild before.

    Lovely photos. A particularly nice one of the Galah.

    I can certainly agree with your cold start to winter down here in Melbourne.

    I do so hope your TL doesn’t end up with long COVID. Like my Fibromyalgia (and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome), he might have to get used to the ongoing effects. As you well know, it is not fun having an exhausting chronic pain condition. If he is not already doing so, Vit D and Vit C supplementation has been shown to be helpful. I think I read somewhere (U.S. stats) that something like 84% of the COVID sufferers has been shown to be deficient in Vit D.

    I notice people in the shops and shopping centers are still very lax about mask-wearing down here in Melbourne and the suburbs. Do they think they’ll only get a mild dose of Omicron? Most of the mask-wearers (which includes me) are Asian. The statistics have shown that even fit and healthy young folk in their 20s and 30s can fall seriously ill and die.

    I suspect the COVID stats are way understated in the world today. On the other hand, I wonder how many older folks have pre-existing serious conditions, and COVID only just hastened their demise.

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    1. Apologies, Vicki. I had to fish your comment out of my spam folder. Thank you for your kind words about the golden whistler and the galah photos. I was quite surprised to see the whistler. Actually, I didn’t. He was pointed out to me. I think we are getting a few more birds around the garden with the greater variety of plants we have hear now.
      I should be more disciplined about taking my Vitamin D tablets. Had better get on to that. I hope my husband doesn’t get long Covid either. He has had a really crappy year which probably increases his risk. He is not eligible for the 4th booster. It is kind of strange that eligibility is not being extended to the over 50s because they seem to be over represented in the ACT’s hospitalisation stats.
      A bit more mask wearing would be helpful. More older people than younger people tend to wear them here. If you are older and unwell your risk of severe disease and death is much higher. Aren’t the latest variations of Omicron targeting the lungs unlike the earlier versions which affected the upper respiratory tract? Vaccines are also waning so we are being hit with that double whammy. At least that is my take on the research. I hope you are coping, Vicki?

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Coping well, thanks for asking, Tracey. I finally got rid of the 5 months of gut issues. Literally overnight on 11/6. It turned out to be an allergy to a new medication started in Feb. I picked it up when I checked my health diary and realized the symptoms co-incided with the date of the new med started on 23rd Feb. Now to get rid of the other 2 problems.

        I have to be my own doctor these days.

        Having had extreme ‘unwellness’ with the first 3 Moderna vaccines, I am reluctant to have any more, but was ‘TOLD’ I was due to have the 4th in June. Not asked (or even suggested). Just TOLD. I might add I’ve never had an ordinary flu vaccine and don’t want one. My elderly parents (80s & 90s when they passed away) had flu shots every year in old age and every year they got the flu. Prior to those flu shots, I don’t think my parents EVER had the flu in their whole adult lives.
        I’ve only ever had the real flu once – the 2004 epidemic in Melbourne.

        Yes, please have your vitamin D levels checked and ‘they’ say not to take more than 4000mg per day. I take 3,000mg as I rarely go outside and get any sun these days, but I did take 4,000mg the first and second year of COVID……. (and vitamin C). I do get my vitamin D levels checked every year as part of my full pathology workup.

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      2. Vicki, my first two vaccine doses were AZ, the third was Pfizer, the 4th was Moderna. The first two were really really awful, the the third really awful and the fourth was a breeze. So it is all so random. I have my flu shot each year. The last time I was really ill with the flu, was the first time I’ve ever been swabbed. Turns out it was RSV.
        I learnt then not to assume my flu shot didn’t work. You need to do what works for you, Vicki. If only we all had perfect knowledge. It must be a relief to have identified the source of your GI issues. Must make life more bearable.
        PS. I understand the flu shot is less effective in elderly people, hence their flu injectionsare more potent. Perhaps the flu shot is like the Covid vaccine in that it doesn’t stop you getting the virus but reduces the severity?

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  8. Love the Wedgie photos. It’s great when the usual visitors return especially ones that sing so nicely. Hearing the chewing of trees always gets me racing for my camera.
    Hope the household can get well quickly. I’m staying in my isolated world as much as possible and mask up when I have to go to town plus hand washing and sterilisation lotions.
    Thanks for showing us your part of the world Tracy 🤗❤

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thanks, Brian. I will drop into your month shortly. I’m looking forward to seeing what is happening in your part of the state.
      I haven’t seen the black cockatoos much recently. They would normally be in the banksia out the back around this time of year but they haven’t been interested yet. So it was nice to see them in J’s yard. Apart from that, it has been a good year for birds in the yard. Also possums. And rodents. 🙂

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  11. My daughter is about eight weeks out from covid and finally starting to improve. It hit her hard for a healthy athletic woman in her 20s. She is here from Denver, lower altitude helps, and I can spoil her and fuss over her a little. I do think it can cause lung swelling, which contributes hugely to the feeling of fatigue and means the person just has to go slowly while the lungs heal. Hugs from my two cats too: Elwha and Sol Duc.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks for your reassurance, Katherine. It means a lot coming from a retired doctor. Patience has never been my forte. I guess he needs more time. It certainly hasn’t been trivial, so thank you for sharing your daughter’s experience. I hope she is enjoying being fussed over and the lower altitude.
      PS. You named your cats after rivers? I was so intiigued I had to Google those names. That’s very neat. Give them a rub under the chin from me.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. there is a legend about the names involving dragons, from one of the local Native American tribes. Check that out!

        Liked by 1 person

  12. Thanks for the lovely share of photos Tracy. Im sorry to kearn that Covid still has its grip and you sadly have it in your home right now. Wishing your TL a speedy recovery without lingering effects. You take care yourself too ☺️💕

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hello Christine, nice to hear from you. You’ve disappeared from my reader.
      Thank you. Hopefully with a little time, everyone will be back to normal. Take care. I will be along shortly to catch up on your blog.

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  13. Hooray, it’s July! It seems June was not a kind month for a few of us. Please tell your TL thank you for brightening my morning with lovely pictures and I hope he’s out of Covid’s clenches soon. My son is still experiencing effects from Covid pneumonia. New month, new hope. Stay safe.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Anne. That is rough for your son, Anne. I hope he is getting the medical support and rest he needs. My husband only had a week off work and I worry he hasn’t had long enough to recuperate and it is setting him back. So yes, onwards to July and whatever that brings for us all. Sending hugs to you.

      Liked by 1 person

  15. I’m sorry to hear that TL still has lingering symptoms, but he sure did kill it with the bird photos this past month! I can’t pick a favorite among the birdies or plants; they’re all beautiful.

    Take good care of each other, hugs from Thailand.

    Liked by 1 person

  16. Those are great photos, Tracy! And I’m sorry to hear about your TL. Some recover very quickly from Covid, and for others, it lingers on, especially the fatigue. It’s a strange disease and so very hard to predict. Our area is just starting to recover from a “bump” or “surge” (depending on who is reporting it, and we were lucky in that our hospitalizations stayed low. I hope that is the same for your area very, very soon! Even more, I wish there were a simple cure for this disease……

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks, Ann.
      In the scheme of things, it is a small number being admitted to hospital, but winter is a very busy time for our health system at the best of times. I imagine that is much the same in your area during winter. It will pass. Warmer weather is on its way in a few months. Sorry to tell you that, because, you know …
      Anyway, thanks for your kind words and reassurance. All the best.

      Liked by 1 person

  17. I’m so sorry your TL is not feeling well and I send wishes for full recovery soon. The way the light plays in the image of the Pimelea physodes is just beautiful, a true work of art photograph. I find myself for a lack of words in so many situations of late so I’ll send *hugs* until next month.

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  18. Forgive my ‘commenting on this’ much later – but, exploring your blog after you left a breadcrumb trail for me at RDP AND my own blog! (Thank you!!!)

    Re: COVID Stats – I look at them, as reported, here and shown abroad for countries/areas I’m not immediately aware of, and I guess, for myself, from start of ‘rather cohesive testing/online reporting of (in timely manner!) along with a healthy dose of my own cynicism, as I’ve WORKED in public service arenas where the ‘metrics collected’ in real time, and stats ‘reported’ to various audiences publicly or privately, or in timely manner for ‘what’s happening, just now’ always seemed to show a ‘different picture’ based on goals, or audience – 😀

    For myself, from very rural area, with major urban areas located pretty much 50 miles or so from me, the availability of ‘professional tests’, costs, viability or usefulness of ‘at home/instant tests, how ‘at home tests’ are reported (if required at all), etc., all, to me, play into whether one has COVID, Long COVID, re-infection or initial infection and stats don’t always quickly report all those various nuances –

    And rural areas that were not high on ‘infection rates/reporting’ early on, due to infrastructure to collect/report OR because daily life just isn’t as full of opportunities for residents to ‘get infected’ were lighter hit in 2020, but see spikes more often, now –

    Hopefully, you and yours, whether Covid or not, have the time/space and grace to ‘heal up/back to ‘fightin’ weight’ (as my family calls ‘health’ after illness) soon!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Not late at all, TamrahJo. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your perspective. The communication issues relating to the pandemic are certainly very complex and everyone starts from a different knowledge base.
      My youngest son is doing well now. Perhaps a few pounds less than fighting weight. My husband found it harder but he is still recovering from major surgery. Everyone is different.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thanks for carving out time to give update! To one who really, it’s none of their business! But still – well – that road back from health/life hits on any shape or form isn’t always quick or easy, is it? Only way I know to say, “Ahh, well, durn! Been there, bought the t-shirt, or ‘well, that’s just not fun for you/yours’ on life fronts? Is to comment, share, ask – so, if appropriate, how are you all faring, now???

        Thanks for the update! and may you all continue to not only survive, but recover and heal – ❤

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  20. Goodness, Tracy! One would never know the troubles you & TL have faced in June just by admiring the lovely images you shared …

    I hope TL is feeling better. It is certainly a long road of recovery for some and I’ve been told this cannot be hurried. Hope you are ok – appreciate so much your taking the time & energy to make this post & update …. I haven’t been able to mentally get writing till the last couple of days so I am so happy to be catching up with you in this space. Sending HUGS!!!

    P/S So sorry that I only picked up your The Changing Seasons contribution now … it slipped under my watch (I blame it on The Covid).

    Liked by 1 person

    1. No apologies necessary, Ju-Lyn. I’m just glad you are recovering now.
      It has been quite a year. My youngest son caught Covid again a month after his first infection, so keep up your safety measures, Ju-Lyn. I’ve been fine but my nursing and catering skills have become rather slap dash.

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