A new species - or another reason I love my eyes!

I have to admit I have a weird and wonderful set of eyes.  They often look at the world in a way that is clearly different from how others around me see it.  Assisted sometimes by my crazy imagination, I am never always sure whether to trust what they are trying to show me.  Sometimes I get led down the garden path, or as in today's episode - the gravel driveway!

It was early morning, and I had wondered out onto the deck to feed my morning birds, when I noticed a very unusual sight on the driveway leading up to our home.  There were our usual assortment of kangaroos, (we would probably have about 20 by now - very good to see them back here again, as they freely graze.) But standing amongst them on the driveway was a very tall, somewhat hairy or bushy creature, which I could not decipher.  I got our binoculars to try to get a closer look, but it kept moving.  It looked brownish in colour, and about as tall as a mature emu.  However, it was covered for most of its body in what appeared to be hair, or some growth.  It looked like it had fallen into brown, hairy strubbery, and came up covered in in.  Very hard to describe.  From what I could see of its legs, they appeared to be somewhat hidden under the mysterious hairy growth on its body, and its feet were hard to distinquish.

I decided to grab and camera, and using its telephoto lens try to capture some photos of it. 

I raced down to our bedroom, where Chris was still asleep. As I was reaching for my camera bag, I accidentally woke him, and in my excitement told him what I had found.  He jumped out of bed and followed me as I raced up to the middle hallway, and then downstairs and through our family room, and out the front door. 

I decided to try to get as close to the top of the driveway as I could in order to try to record more clearly the image of this creature that I had seen from our front deck.  As I got to the top of the driveway a lot of the kangaroos were beginning to hop away, and rummage further into the front paddock for food.  But my 'creature' had disappeared!  I looked and looked and couldn't believe it!  It had appeared from the deck to be such a large creature, but now could not be seen anywhere!

I'm pretty sure that Chris thought I had lost my mind.  I tried to explain, but then just told him to go back to bed.  On his way, he mentioned something about: "I think from now on I'll call you Charles - for Charles Darwin! New creature!"

I don't think he believes I saw it.  I think he's thinking my eyes have done it to me again.  But I know what I saw, and I have my camera ready.

Besides, I love what my eyes see. Sometimes I wish I could loan them out so that others could see what my world looks like!!

Oh, well. Tommorrow's another day!

Happy Father's Day, Dad!

Yesterday, here in Australia, was Father's Day.  I think that for some reason this celebration falls on different days around the world.  Needless to say, I celebrated with Chris the fact that he was a Father and tried to spoil him as much as he wanted.
Then I started thinking about my Dad, and how even though this celebration is honoured earlier in the year in the States, he was still being honoured in my thoughts.  I thought a fitting tribute to him might be a story about one of our fishing adventures together.

It was the 4th of July, and I was about 9 years old.  (maybe even younger), and Dad had gotten me out of bed before the sun was even up!  As I sat in the kitchen and ate my bowl of Cheerios, and shivered in the early morning anticipation of a fun experience, Dad was busy getting last minute things ready for our excursion!

I quickly ran back upstairs, and grabbed 'my fishing clothes' and met Dad out by his station wagon, (his fishing car) and climbed in the front seat as he loaded the last of the tackle boxes and the fishing poles. We were going to fish in a small outlet of the Mississippi, near a neighbouring area north of town.  The sun was starting to smile at us, and I knew that today would be a good one!  We could be having sunfish or maybe Misssissippi catfish for dinner before the July 4 fireworks that night!

We had gathered worms for bait the night before.  (Dad had made a special worm catching electronic device which made the worms jump up out of the moist lawn, and I always had fun gathering the squirming, slimy worms and shoving them in the can of moist soil that we had waiting.)

We arrived at the fishing spot, and the sun was just peaking through and beginning to smile at us.  Early morning was always the best time to catch the Mississippi fish, because they were interested in anything we gave them, as a breakfast treat.  (Or at least that was what I always thought!)

Dad had caught a few Sunfish, and I had caught a few small ones - none of them keepers.  Then suddenly something was snagged on my line, and I struggled with it for a while.  Eventually I brought it in, only to discover that it was river turtle!   Dad netted it, and we brought it onshore.  I decided to keep it.  It was about 6-8 inches across on its shell, and looked like it would be fun to investigate!

We loaded the fish into a cooled container, and wrapped the turtle in a river soaked towel, and gently laid it on the floor at the back of the wagon.  I was excited.  I think Dad was too!  It had been a great find, and a great morning!

When we arrived home, we filled an old metal wash stand which stood against the back of the house, with water, a large rock, and some water plants.  Then we put the turtle inside, and hoped he would settle.  If he made it through the night, I was hoping to make him a pet.

I told one of our neighbours about my catch, Bill, who I have spoken of previoulsy, and he said that "Turtles make pretty good eating, little Miss!"  "Not my turtle!  He'll make a better pet", I replied.

That night the neighbourhood got together for a 4th July picnic food sharing time, and we all watched the fireworks from a neighbour's backyard.  There was laughter, and races, and food and music and lots of sparklers being swung around by all the kids.

As the night was drawing to a close, and we made our way home, I went to check on my Turtle, (who I had decided to name Myrtle), but he/she was gone!  Nothing else was disturbed, just an empty water stand - no turtle!

I looked all over the ground, and all around the backyard, just in case Myrtle was an amazing climbing turtle--but couldn't find it anywhere.

I looked suspiciously at Bill for a few weeks after that - checking to see if his face signalled any looks of guilt towards my way.  But either he was very good at acting, or Myrtle was indeed a very good escape turtle!

New love

I have noticed over the last few weeks, especially since Chris and I got back from Cairns, that my Big Boy 3 (BB3)  family have disappeared from my feeding zone.

At first I was a bit upset - why did they go?  What happened to them? But this morning the penny dropped!  Duh! They are teenagers, young adults, searching for a mate and a good time - maybe even love!  How romantic!


All of our birdlife here has gone quiet, except for those who have already perhaps found their life partner. That's nice.  But it hasn't stopped me from thinking and wondering about them. They were an amazing assortment of birds to watch, (for someone who really isn't a bird-watcher) but I loved their antics and their behavioural patterns. 

I look forward to seeing their off-spring if we are still here.

I found this interesting link to the English view of magpies--worth a read.  Obviously they have not met my birds, and the entire Big Boy clan which has been here over the years - what lovely birds, and always showing direct eye contact, and almost the need to learn to speak--BB3 and I had been working on that--anyway, see this link and make up your own minds:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1369614/The-picture-21-birds-tree-proves-magpie-population-control.html

I'm back!

Chris and I have been in Cairns looking for a possible new home up there.  We looked at some amazing houses and properties, and in one day looked with various agents at 7 properties---we were exhausted by that night.  But it was all worth it.

We spent about 4 days just meeting agents and viewing potential properties.  It has been a confusing and tiring experience.  Each property in certain ways had so much to offer, and we had to measure each property on whether it offered exactly what we required.  It was a very tough call, but in the end, I think we have found the ideal home.  Only time will tell.  We have to settle our property here first, and have inspections made in Cairns, so there is still a lot of work to be done.  But it is exciting.  A new start.  A new life.

There is so much about Cairns that we both really like, the climate (very similar I would think to Honolulu, Hawaii), and the colour of the area--very green and blue with cane sugar and rainforests thrown in.

But what really struck me this last time was the people.  I had such a good time with everyone I met.  There are just so many really honest, down to earth people, who like us, just like life, and like living the life they have.  I really appreciated being surrounded by that.  It is infectious you know.  Like laughter. There should be more of it! 

Great mates

After Chris found out that I wrote about Seamus, (apparently fairly accurately!) he told me another story, which is very believable and understandable.  But first, I have to explain....

I have come to believe, after living with my 'boys' Jock and Strap for all of these years, that whatever the surprise is that they have for us, we just love them for it!  My boys never fail to amaze me on how well they understand what we are saying.  When either Chris or I speak to them, and if they could actually master our language, they would use it proficiently.

Typical example: 

Strap sees  me opening the back door and more or less says:  "You're here!  Your arms are empty! You're not carrying any bags of stuff, and you said 'Hello, Strappy', ....that means you want to play with me!"

"Sorry.  Not now Strappy, I have to go somewhere, but you can walk with me until I get to the car shed?", I say as I head that way.  Walking in that direction, we pass Jock who is asleep on the lawn and then he rouses.

Jock:  "Did someone mention  food or cuddles?"

Strap and I looking distractedly at him "No!", we both reply, with a knowing twinkle in Strap's eye, as he knows that on my return, I will give my boys their favourite treat....

(As an aside, we got caught out the other day.  I was at the door giving the boys their favourite Lucky Bone treat, telling them to keep it on the low, when I noticed a presence behind me.  Chris was standing right behind watching the whole thing!  Drat!  Caught out!  But the boys were cool about it, they still kept their backs turned, ignoring any Chris presence after getting their treat, and ate them greedily, with their backs turned to the door the whole time - sort of like ...what you can't see us doing, you can't blame us for! )

Anyway, to make a short story even longer, back to my original point --

Chris and Seamus.

Chris told me that at times he would sit quietly on the back step of his house in Canberra, out in the sun, and just think about life, and Seamus would come along, and sit next to him.  Seamus would put his head on Chris' right shoulder, fitting his head in close proximity to Chris', and then would place his left front leg and paw on Chris' left shoulder and just sit with him.  Two boys, sitting, thinking, and hanging out together.

I like that image of them in my head--two mates just taking some quiet time together........





An Irish Red Setter, deep in thought.



Seamus

Chris had a red setter as a best-est friend when he lived in Canberra in days gone past.  I love hearing the stories about Seamus, his wonderful dog companion, and love the enthusiasm that this beautiful red dog had for life.

But one of my most favourite stories is the one about Hide and Seek. 

Chris, who has always worked successfully with dogs, used to wander into the backyard at his home in Canberra, where Seamus would be waiting expectantly for any sort of game or fun to begin.  One of Seamus' favourite games was Hide and Seek. 

Chris would tell Seamus to go and hide, while Chris counted to 10.  Seamus would quickly hide in one of the large shrubs, and then wait excitedly for Chris to find him.  Meanwhile, the whole shrub would be shaking and quivering with the excitement held within Seamus' tail and body, as he secretly hid!  Chris would wander around the garden telling Seamus that he would find him and that he was getting warmer, while the shrub just kept shaking more and more frantically!

Eventually out of just sheer excitement, Seamus would jump out at Chris, almost as if saying: "Here I am, Silly!  Fooled you!  Ha! Ha!"

I wish I could have had the opportunity to meet Seamus.  He sounded like a great pal!

Unforgettable

When I write a post to my blog, it takes some thought sometimes - it isn't always just an 'off the cuff' kind of thing.  If I wanted to write in that vane, I would just post an inane statement to Facebook- doesn't everyone?

Feeling somewhat 'blocked', I asked Chris what I could write about - writing for a journal or a paper is much easier--they give you the topics--

Chris suggested Teddy Bears - my friends.  "Bears?  That's a bit lame", I replied.  But then I remembered.  ....

I have been very fortunate in my adult life that people around me have embraced my love for Teddy Bears as much as I have.  I have so many of them and so many memories because of them.  When I pick one up, it's just not picking up a stuffed bear, it is like embracing a memory, a moment, a time when that bear really meant something to someone, and something to me.  It is for that reason that I am going to tell you the story of my Unforgettable Bear.....

When Chris and I got married, it was after a very sad and emotional time in my life.  My first husband and father of my three daughters had recently died from cancer, and then six months later my 19 year old daughter died tragically in a car accident.  Not a good time.  But Chris was there.  He knew what I was going through, and experienced each moment of grief with me.  We were such good friends, and shared a rare humour together.

Then, one day, we realised that it was OK to be acknowledging this friendship, and to realise it for what it was - Love!  To cut a long story short, we married, in a wonderful ceremony, surrounded by friends and family, and laughter and music.  Our theme song for this partnership (and still is) - 'Unforgettable' by Nat King Cole and his daughter, Natalie Cole.  It played at our wedding and was the song that played during our wedding waltz. 

Well, this year, on Mother's Day, as I woke up in the morning, I noticed that Chris had disappeared, and as my 2 daughters were no longer in my home, but living their own life, I sort of layed there and felt a bit sad and sorry for myself.  I remembered the burnt toast mornings of breakfast in bed, with a tray of spilt juice, and cold toast and mutterings, as it arrived proudly to my bed each year.  This year was just quiet.

Then, Chris opened the bedroom door with a tray of food, and a present.  I sat up on propped pillows, and surveyed my surprise bounty, and gave him a very good appreciative look and kiss.  As I was enjoying my rare breakfast in bed, Chris urged me to unwrap my present.  (We are like peas in a pod--we almost enjoy more the act of giving a present to someone more than anything else! )  He was beside himself!

I took the ribbon and paper from the the wrapped  bulky parcel, to discover a brown Teddy Bear, holding a mobile phone, and wearing a red t-shirt with the embroidered message: "You're so Unforgettable" emblazoned on his chest.  I looked at it's cute face, and couldn't help but smile, feeling that even though at the moment I was feeling like a lost and forgotten Mother, at least Chris and this crazy t-shirt wearing bear loved me.  Then I touched a button on his hand and he sang to me, in his own teddy bear voice, how 'unforgettable' I was.  I think I ate breakfast, it's hard to remember if it was soggy or not.  There were tears of love, and happiness, and knowing that no matter what --to someone I am 'Unforgettable'.

(Post note:  Maddie sent a wonderful Mother's Day present to me, which arrived a couple of days later, and was sent with much love - so I was double blessed!)

Anyway, this is a clip of our theme song:  Enjoy!  -

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1a40o_nat-king-cole-natalie-unforgettable_music

There's no place like home....

We have  FINALLY done it. We have finished our renovation work on this multi-level house, and have listed it on the market.  It has been a journey...

This was the house of my dreams back in 1987, when we first saw it, and evenually bought it.  We have raised 3 daughters in this house, and have had some wonderful memories. Many actually.   We have also had some sad ones.  All of those stories may make it into a story of their own one day, but for now, this is the story of this house.

When it was first purchased it sat alone, on the top of a hill, with only 3 palm trees, and 5 pencil pine trees to keep it company.  But, I could see its future, and what a life that foreseeable future has engrained on this place - it has been amazing.

This house has a spirit of its own, and responds to love.  I am sure of it.

As we have been renovating, and renewing her, this house has stood and preened and glistened, with every coat of paint that was applied, or every rebuild in one of her rooms.  She has sparkled, and loved the attention, and now stands very proudly, completely aware of how much younger and better she looks.  Sort of like an actress getting a faceflift, as the new acting roles come rolling in.  This house is very much in the same category.  She treats herself very well, and expects everyone around her to show her the same respect.

It's been fun to watch.

Weather or not

It has been a difficult time here lately. I'm blaming the weather!  It just cannot make up its mind.  I mean, one day it is perfectly lovely, so I search for my T-shirts and summer type gear, then whammo--that night it is freezing cold (at least to me!).  Chris doesn't feel the cold, but to humour me he puts up with the heaters and the sight of me dozing by the fire.

This is why I have been 'off-air'. 

It is so cold down here in our family room at night, that I can only sit for a few moments to check emails and see what is happening in the world.  (I have found another heater though, so that is now a relief!)

Anyway, life has gone on, and we have had some big issues to deal with.  I'll tell you about them in later posts. Now I'm just dealing with a runny nose, and the need to sneeze. 

See you tomorrow!

My Kanga family

I drove my little blue convertible into town the other day to do some errands, and on my return, as I was coming up our 1/2 kilometre long driveway, I met my kangaroo family again. I absolutely love them.  They would be about 4th generation by now, and the Mumma 'Roo has a Joey in her pouch.

I was slowly driving up the driveway when I noticed her first.  (They know that I will stop for them to cross the driveway, but they also know that accidents may happen and others may not drive slowly, or even stop).

Anyway, I stopped.  I watched Mumma jump across the track before me, which had just been jumped by two other members of her family. Over the years I have provided water for them in the hot dry months, and left out scraps of 'Roo friendly' tidbits, during the dry periods, and as a result we live in tolerance and on my part,  admiration for their beauty.

I have been lucky enough to experience these Roos and their family members come and go over the years, and have been privileged to see their generational families growing and living here.  At times it has been as sad for us, as for them, to see a family member hit by a truck in the early morning hours as it sped down the highway, and I have always sent up a quiet prayer for their tired and mutilated body.

I think I will miss them a lot when we move.  They have surprised me so much over the years, and have shown a quiet respect for our space, as we have for theirs.