Summer Holidays

 A couple of old treasures from the farm came to live at my place.  We've begun sanding back the pew which is a big job.  It's looking better for it, and fits nicely in our undercover area.  Another thing was the old pot belly stove.  We have got some blacking agent to spray it with.  I'm looking forward toasting marshmallows in the wintertime.

 White Agapanthus are so bright at my back door.

Lots and lots of poppy seed heads, but my problem now is that I forget what colours they are!  I really should label them when in flower - a challenge for next year.

 I love this blue Sea Holly.  Really interesting flowers and a bit different amongst the old favourites.  Looking out for one for you Jayne.

 Love my Hydrangeas . . .

 . . . and hollyhocks

 This flat topped yellow Yarrow has been a winner in my garden.  A really strong plant but doesn't sucker like some others that I have.  Bright and beautiful and great with cut flowers.

 My Brugmansia is a constant joy at this time of the year.

 . . . and here are my Christmas Lilies, flowering in January!

Given to me by my sister a few years ago, so very special.  I might even plant them in the ground next year as they haven't multiplied in the pot.  Might be because I forget to feed them.  So many jobs to do in the garden.  Can't possibly remember everything, but I can try!



Happy New Year 2015

 It's a VERY hot day here in Ballarat Australia.  My poor garden is being blown about with hot hot winds.  I've been waiting patiently for my Christmas Lillies to bloom, and when I went outside before, one had opened and the pot had blown over. I brought it inside to the Laundry.  I've waited too long to see it damaged by weather.  This picture is a special Snowflake Agapanthus that is just opening too, but it's safely in the ground.

 My birds were hot too.  I gave them some fresh bath water and sprayed the cages to cool them down.  This little lady was perching over her 5 eggs . . . she must have worried about them cooking underneath her.

 This is one of the new babies this season.  Some nice soft colourings and a quiet nature . . . must be a girl!

 This white one was a baby last year, and has already had 2 sets of babies this season.  Unfortunately no white ones like her yet.

 A new baby this season with a distinctive black eyebrow on one side only.

 California Poppies valiantly flowering in the heat

 . . . and my beautiful blue Cornflowers - a lovely display this summer outside my back door.

I'm looking forward to this year being a "good one!"

Seasons Greetings . . . let me explain

 In the mad rush to complete the last week of school . . . I may just have dropped my computer on it's head in the car park late one night . . .

 It performed one more time, but then a lot of . . . n o t h i n g !

 Nothing the school tech's could do . . . had to call in the Big Guns.  That meant no computer access for at least a week.  I just gave up and didn't think about it.  There was only enough energy and enthusiasm this year for one special present.  A mini quilt for a friend who has been a wonderful support to me throughout this challenging year.

 In that last week, I had some difficult news that I'd lost my long term teaching partner to a private school.  I cried for a whole day.  I was devastated and couldn't see a way forward.

 My garden and the summer sunlight is a constant strategy and coping mechanism for me to survive.  Out there the beauty of my flowers calms my soul and helps me to go on.

 Christmas Day has come and gone.  A peaceful day with family and friends and the happiness of being me and being at home.  The joy of a tiny tree and just a few special decorations.

 

 Our Quilting Group made special Postcards for our Buddies.  This was mine that I made . . .

. . . everyone has a song to sing.

Sorry for the break in transmission.  I will be more careful in future with my hardware!!

Spring Time Glory

 These Cactus Blooms lasting only 2 days have been magnificent this year.  I had 12 blooms over a period of 2 weeks and the evening scent was delicious.

 The view from my back door mid Spring.

Beautiful Roses with the late afternoon sun catching the colour.

 Jude the Obscure is one of my favourites.

 . . . and a new handbag for Spring

Pattern by Noodlehead