In 2003, bush-fires ravaged the old Nil Desperandum homestead. After the fires, the historic rammed-earth cottage was re-built to the original 1896 design. Nil Desperandum forms part of the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve (near Canberra). Amidst the devastation wrought by the fires, a part of a commercial camellia plantation somehow managed to survive. Surrounded by dense bush on all sides, it truly is a miracle garden. Read more
Happy lovey dovey day, everyone. It sounds like I’m not sentimental, but first impressions can be deceiving. After nearly 25 years of marriage (drats, I think I forgot my last wedding anniversary), I am still as much in love with my gorgeous man as the first time I ever saw his face. We don’t do the whole Valentine’s Day thing, but as I forgot our last anniversary, I’m going to have to make it up to him somehow. My love wouldn’t have forgotten the big day, but as it coincides with another apparently important anniversary, he would have felt it rude to overshadow the other event, unless of course I happened to mention it first.
To get in the mood for this lovey dovey day (and in the interests of this post), I’ve been listening to some of my favourite love songs/tunes (see my list below). I fear this list may tell you more about me than you would care to know, but I thought I would share it with you anyway. Here goes: Read more
This is my response to the Ragtag Daily Prompt — Manufacture. I’ve finally come up with the an idea for my next mosaic. After my last huge effort, I am looking to do something small, literally. I like to make mosaics from my own photos, but in this case I won’t be able to. I should be so lucky to see an endangered mountain pygmy possum! Read more
Today’s post will introduce two very strange aquatic creatures found at one of Canberra’s nature reserves — the first, one very odd looking duck, and the second, quite duck-like.
Australia’s musk duck looks half-fish, half duck. It must be the oddest looking duck I’ve ever come across. It is so named because it is very smelly, emitting a musky smell from scent glands on its rump. Musk ducks spend most of their time in the water. They even sleep on the water. They can fly, but launching from the water or ground is hard work, so they do so infrequently. When fleeing predators, they choose a watery escape rather than take to the wing. Read more
Today I have some clandestine photos to share with you, dear Readers. Provided on a need-to-know basis. Nudge, nudge, wink, wink. The subjects are well camouflaged.
I recently went on a short walk with my son for the purpose of some online activity. Suddenly I heard the unmistakable sound of a bird of prey. “What was that?” I exclaimed. “Oh yeah,” my son said, “two sparrow-hawks nest in those pine trees over there.” To say I was indignant, Ladies and Gentlemen, was a total understatement. I demanded to know why this information had been withheld from me. Was the information top-secret, only to be disclosed to those who ‘need-to-know’? Well, no. He just forgot. Can you really believe that? Read more
This is my response to the Ragtag Daily Prompt — Forecast. To join in, click on the link.
It seems that this month, there is a new temperature record broken every other day. Another scorcher is forecast tomorrow. When the temperature dropped below 35c yesterday, I quickly hightailed it out to the surrounding bush. Due to my mosaic project and hot weather, I’ve been terribly inactive and was afraid my legs would no longer work, but I can report that they are still in walking order.
This is what happens when water becomes a commodity. I predict that the former federal water minister will lose his seat at the next election over this debacle.
My thoughts are with Vanda from Our Other Blog: Two Sisters and Two Points of View, whose town has been evacuated due to the bushfire emergency in Tasmania.
Stay safe and look out for your neighbours.
Regards
Tracy
A little poetry to mark my Monday. Because not everything has to be serious.
Marbled Mélange
sunshine and water
secrets of the universe
gourdjalicious Read more
I’ve been talking about my current mosaic project for about six months now. Now finally, it is finished. Read more
The Queensland Resources Council has just announced that Queensland (Australia) coal exports have reached a record high. The Australian government must be jumping for joy, with the resources sector once again contributing substantial growth in federal revenues (and the election war-chest). Apparently two thirds of our coal is destined for steel making, while the remainder will be used for power generation.
Maybe it is just sour grapes, but the news does not lighten my current mood or temperature, which can best be described as volcanic. Why? Because short-term gains are being put before long-term national interests, and because I am sweltering in my lounge room through yet another extended extreme heatwave. My phone tells me it is 41º celcius (105º F) outside. Read more
