Yesterday's Big Adventure

I saw them in the morning but didn't have time to stop, a family of Australian Wood Duck! Then another opportunity arrived late in the afternoon.

Such a delight to watch, especially considering the location.....

Just a couple of blocks from home!

Close to our large, slow flowing river, we often see ducks during the year, and in spring, the occasional family.

"So I tell you, don't worry about the food or drink you need to live, or about the clothes you need for your body.

 Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothes. Look at the birds of the air. 

They don't plant or harvest or store food in barns, but your heavenly Father feeds them. 

And you know that you are worth much more than the birds. 

You cannot add any time to your life by worrying about it."

Matthew 6: 25-27

I was inclined to begin to worry FOR them at this point!

...but that's how they live, day after day, somewhere between the river on the streets nearby. I hope there are still 10 ducklings next time I see them.....


Sharing at Show off your Shot, Our World Tuesday, Wild Bird Wednesday.

Beautiful Bonus

I didn't order these, in fact, I had never heard of Sparaxis until a little bonus packet of bulbs arrived with my order.

Here are the Sparaxis bulbs, soaking prior to planting nearly four months ago. Don't they look amazing, as if they each have their own intricate net bag.

"Brilliantly coloured, dazzlingly diverse and easy to grow" says one source. Who wouldn't like plants like this! Native to South Africa they look to be thriving in our climate.

The flowers each have six tepals (technically different to petals and sepals). They are slso known as Harlequin Flowers.

Sometimes it's the little I-wouldn't-have-chosen-that surprises which end up being amazing blessings.


Sharing at Your Sunday Best, Mandarin Orange Monday.

He Was Right!

I thought it was all about the lollies, which I am loathe to buy.

He said it was all about having fun. He had seen one on TV and had an idea.

We didn't have a balloon big enough so they used three balloons which were later joined together.

It was a joint effort over several days. No arguing, lots of discussion and sharing while I just looked on. A unique homemade piñata gradually took shape.

Then the birthday morning came. Master T was now a teenager! He had blown up the balloons (with a bike pump) and carefully strung them together the night before, in preparation for our family birthday tradition of streamers and balloons.

He also made his own sponge cake which fell apart as he tried to remove it from the tin. I suggested trifle,  Master T and Miss E (20) did the rest. Marshmallows and candles completed the job.

Now was the time to put Master T's great theory to the test, hockey stick in hand. Everyone except Miss E (20) and I took turns.

HE WAS RIGHT, it was great fun to watch as each took turns to try and smash the piñata. SO much fun and laughter. Eventually the piñata broke in stages, scattering colourful sweets everywhere.

Time to quietly roast marshmallows over a candle. A beautiful evening......

Morning light revealed remnants, bearing silent witness to the previous night's excitement. I think a new  family birthday tradition has just been discovered - thanks to Master T.


Sharing at This or That Thursday, Photo Story Friday, Weekly Top Shot.

More..... or Less?

f/ 1.4

f/ 2.8

f/ 7.1

A white camellia from our garden, picked and brought inside to photograph and enjoy.


Sometimes I can't decide which image I like best. Which do you prefer?

Sharing at Sneak Peek Friday, Flower Art Friday (voted 5th out of 50).

Testing the Waters

The children spotted him this morning, a beautiful big, lime green Bladder Cicada, a herald of noisy, warm evenings.

His wings look so much like leaves, providing camouflage. This Bladder Cicada was about 6cm or 2.5" long.

 "Can we have a swim today?"
Although a warm and windy day of 30C / 85F, the pool water is still quite cold due to our cool nights, so I say "No".

It's only a matter of days. Two children had to change out of half wet jeans after testing the waters today......

Our "resident" Blue Tongue Lizard is looking for shade as much as sun these days.

The tiny Erigeron Daisies are beginning to flower profusely.

Our Butterfly Trees (named after their butterfly-shaped leaves) are flowering, one pink, one white.

At 7pm this evening I hear crickets and also a cicada welcoming the first of many warm evenings, it's still 25C / 77F. All nature seems to be testing the waters of our summery spring.

Sharing at This or That Thursday, Flower Art Friday, Photo Story Friday, Our World Tuesday.