Farrer Ridge Nature Reserve - Morning walk

Kangaroo - always an early morning visitor

It's quite unusual for me to rise before my children, but I did so this morning.

My Dad is visiting and has been walking around our new neighbourhood each morning.

Today I decided I should join him, particularly as he spoke of heading to the Nature Park nearby.

We spent two hours wandering, chatting, taking in the sights, exploring nature and stopping to take in the finer details of many things through my camera.  The photos will tell much of our story.

Come enjoy a refreshing little walk with us through this reserve.

Everlasting Daisy

Cauliflower Bush - Cassinia ?

Cauliflower Bush - Cassinia aculeata (I believe)

It seems there's a natural spring here, my Dad thinks, 

or perhaps the water is flowing due to the excess rain we have had.

All in all it's a very pretty spot.

Next time I will bring my girls.

They will adore all the flowers,

and the kangaroos will be a treat for them also.

Blossoms and Birds

Break open a cherry tree and there are no flowers, but the spring breeze brings forth myriad blossoms.  ~Ikkyu Sojun

There are a number of things we are truly enjoying in our new, albeit temporary, home.

We enjoy a visit from a pair of Crimson Rosellas every afternoon.

They are enjoying foraging in the apricot tree blossoming in our back yard at the moment.

I was fortunate to be able to capture them this afternoon, 

so engrossed were they in the myriad blossoms.

They leave a carpet of blossoms under the tree, 

aided by the sulphur crested cockatoos, magpies and other friendly birds.

These delicate blossoms are full of romance.

The little dancing ladies here remind me of the dancers of a mystical Swan Lake, 

tiptoeing delicately upon a lake of snow and ice.

Then they are transformed into a most beautiful ballerina dressed delicately in a beautiful pink bodice with billowing white skirt, layering upon tassels of gold and silver.

The Apricot Blossom - 

the current delight of my heart

and joy of my days.

Sounds like my precious little girls really.

 ;)

Kangaroos on Millbrook

The human spirit needs places where nature has not been rearranged by the hand of man. ~Author Unknown

Across the creek, resting amidst the trees in the long shadows cast in the late afternoon we spotted that which we were on the hunt for.

They stopped to take a peek at us as well before bounding further up the hill and away from our curious eyes.

Travelling on our favourite road in the Adelaide Hills after being out and about enjoying the sunshine on a very cool winter's day we felt certain we would be rewarded.

There is nothing more fun than spotting wildlife in the bush for our dear little girls...all right, and their parents as well.

As Ess says, "it is so much more fun to play "Spot the ...." in real life rather than just in a book Mummy".

Twinkles after Fog

Faith is like radar that sees through the fog.  ~ Corrie Ten Boom, Tramp for the Lord

Each morning this week has greeted us with its foggy misty skies.  It also just happened to be the week I promised Ess that she could ride her bike to school.  Usually she walks by my side as I stroll little Eee - I have no desire to push both a bicycle and a stroller home.  "But I can leave my bike at school", Ess pleaded.  "Yes you can darling.  However that means that you will have to ride it up the big hill on the way home.  I won't be able to help push you,"  I replied.

So she practiced when Pa was here to help push her.  She did very well so now she rides alone - for the most part.  She has enjoyed making the discovery that the easiest, most fun part of the ride on the way to school becomes the most difficult, challenging part of the journey on the way home.  I am proud to say she has met the challenge and faced it head on.  Not without remembering the story of my childhood The Little Engine That Could and uttering that famous refrain "I think I can! I think I can!"

Most days this week the fog has turned to delightful rain by the time it is time for me to return home.  With a smile on my face and raincoats adorned I head home, often greeted by friends offering me a lift.  I decline.  It is my choice to walk, to risk the weather.  I love being out in the weather and experiencing all it has to offer. It connects me with my day and what is going on around me.  It heightens my senses and renews my energy and vigour.

Today however the sun peaked through the clouds, the skies cleared allowing us to view the delightful dance of the dewy raindrops on bare twigs, gumnuts and daffodils.

We are certain that once the fairies have had a sweet drink from their gumnut cups...

they have sought refuge from the rain inside each dewdrop...

waiting for more sunshine and preparing to dance again.

My favourite tree on our journey, a silver birch I believe, lit up this morning with delicate fairy lights, dewdrops disguised, as the dancing fairies made their way to morning tea.

(look closely and click on the pics to enlarge them to see the drops and the reason I need a new camera :) )

Now, just for the record, July 2009 has been the wettest month in Adelaide in four years.  I celebrate.  I have enjoyed the rain, the sunshine has been appreciated all the more for it and I love rainy days!  We have had over 100mm...not bad!

Thankyou all for your kind birthday wishes for my day.  It was most enjoyable...fog and all.

Hints of Winter

When the bold branches

Bid farewell to rainbow leaves -

Welcome wool sweaters.

~B. Cybrill

Almost bare twigs against dull dark skies...

Greening of the Adelaide Hills which remain so brown and dry throughout summer...

The green and gold carpet covering once dirty brown paths...

Lichen-covered tree trunks...

Warm woollen jumpers, little legs clad in warm tights, and my little hooded popkin...

New season oranges, direct from the tree, a little earlier than last year.

Very chilly air, was Ess' contribution, as we discussed this topic as a family.  With temperatures ranging from 6°C min to 13.9°C max on this day, this is very true.

All serving to remind us that winter is just around the corner...

See you then.

Autumn Sunshine

Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.  ~Albert Camus

warm autumn sunshine

spreads its rays through coloured leaves

dangling tenderly

Isn't this a beautiful sight!  The morning sunshine, not long risen, shining brightly through changing trees.  Twas a beautiful feeling as well.  This is the reason I keep walking to school day by day.  The path is just so well planted and walking it allows time to really take everything in - the rays of sunshine, the twitter of the birds, the chatter of little girls, the changing seasons, along with the roar of cars on their way to work and school, the 'ding ding' of passing bicycles and scooters, and a few chatty Mums.

There is something about Autumn which seems to inspire me to write poetry.  This year it is Haiku, last year it was ... you'll have to go and take a peak at the beautiful Autumn we had last year. I am hoping that in a couple of weeks we'll see heaps more colour here.

I am From

Thou art thy mother's glass, and she in thee

Calls back the lovely April of her prime.
~William Shakespeare

Today is my mother's birthday.  She is away visiting her sister who is also celebrating her birthday today.  My aunty is 80 years old, she is 13 years my mother's elder.  Knowing they are celebrating getting older makes me reflect and think about where I am headed and where I am from. 

I recently read this post of Kellie's on Don't Look Now!  I thought it was lovely that she was from a similar place to me but never thought I'd write my own poem.  Then, at times unsuspecting, the poem sprouted and before I knew it my poetic juices were flowing and I had my own history penned.   So if you think you cannot, you will not, I encourage you to let go and see what might flow.  It is actually quite cathartic.  If you do write your own "I'm From" poem please let me know so I can join you in learning more about where you're from.  If you follow the links from Kellie's poem you will find the original from whence it came.

So here's a sneak peak of some of me.

I’m From

I’m from tireless pioneers, hard-working farmers and long dusty trails. From blacksoil plains, deceptive mirages and vast, tree-studded horizons.  From small country town, regional farming community and “townie vs cockie” the former is me!  From Mehi River, Gwydir River, where rivers meet. 

I’m from maternal ancestors trekking across seas, across lands; from England to South Australia, into northern New South Wales, up to central Queensland.  From sheep grazing, wheat farming then cotton as well. Corrugated iron sheds, blue-topped cotton modules, and seasonal “snowy” cotton lined roads.  From worshipping in a country church built by relatives of friends.

I’m from aesthetic beauty: flowers in the garden, arranged in vases, floral shows as well.  From cakes carefully decorated by my mother’s own hand, from embroidery, crochet, sewing, handmade.  Fixing loose threads on my clothing, “not the good scissors!”, stashes of fabric, buttons, binding and ribbons.  Always dressing well to go out.  From Sylvia’s fabrics, pattern hunting and fabric matching.

Paternally from Denmark to Australia, right into Queensland, freezing to heat.  From food production, apple orchards, vegetable growing and home baking.

From awkwardness, confusion; leadership and faith.  From silliness and laughter with my treasured brother and sister.   From independence and competence, achievement and success.

From “hugs and kisses”, “hugs and kisses” among siblings at the end of car journeys, upon arrival at our holiday destination, the “Uh-oh better go to bed” and “I wear my sunglasses at night, to keep my panties on tight” fun play with siblings.

Photo found at  www.Redbubble.com

I’m from the bright yellow daffodil, pretty pink poppy and rich red rose, the calm Carbeen tree, breezy Belah and the beloved, guarded unique Leopard Tree.

From the smoking besa block incinerator in the backyard, the besa block “barby”, begrudged family trips to the dump.

From oranges, mandarins and almonds in the garden, lawns always watered through hot summer months.

From home-sewn school uniform and Dad-knitted navy cardigan, from tights keeping legs warm from pesky, shivery Jack Frost on our front lawn

From Sunday roast dinners and baked beans on toast, salad plate lunches, toast fingers with soup.  From Potatoes La Jolla, Herbed Chicken pieces from “promite, not vegemite” or “vegemite not promite” sandwiches in lunchboxes.

Piano lessons during lunchtime, then through swimming lessons in high school. Piano duets in my best friend’s Mum’s bedroom on weekend retreats from boarding school.  Boarding school challenges, fun and successes.  Singing and singing, and singing some more, “Yes, Jesus loves me”, Christmas carols and rhymes.  Renaissance polyphonies, madrigals, and contemporary and sacred choral works.

I'm from sharing my music, from teaching tiny littlies, imparting my intuition and knowledge to the families I meet.  From meeting my beloved and sharing in our union, from bearing two treasured, precious daughters who now ofttimes lead me in my journey.

And now I am me, here today, returned to the start, growing veges and living down south in South Australia from whence my ancestors came, living and loving creatively, following my Creator.

Farm photos courtesy of my brother and sister-in-law. 

Baked Peaches with a Crumble Topping

If two or three persons should come with a high spiritual aim and with great powers, the world would fall into their hands like a ripe peach.  ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Tis the season for peaches.  We were very fortunate this week to receive some peaches from Grandad's neighbour.  Who can turn down fresh fruit from someone's tree in their own backyard and their wonderful generosity to give it to us?  We are privileged.

There were some bumps and bruises on them however and the flavour was perhaps just a little tame, so I have created a very healthy delicious dessert.

Baked Peaches with a Crumble Topping

Halve and de-seed your peaches and place them in an ovenproof dish.

Make a crumble by combining the following ingredients:  

1 tablespoon of shredded coconut per peach half

1 tablespoon honey (maybe more if you are doing a load of peaches)

1 teaspoon rosewater

some crumbled cereal (I use low gluten Kornies (à la cornflakes))

Place the crumble mix on each peach half.

Bake in a preheated 200degC oven for 10-15 minutes until golden.

These are absolutely lovely with a dessert wine such as Bleasdale late picked Verdelho if you feel like indulging just a wee bit.

Simplicity is bliss...enjoy!

Koala Viewing in the Adelaide Hills

Look at what we saw while enjoying the playground in Hahndorf.

A very agile little koala.

Climbing around his tree...

Sitting in a favourite posi...

Before jumping onto the next tree.  Quite a sight to see, unexpected and one we probably would have missed if it wasn't for our baby, little Eee, calling out "birdie, birdie" and pointing at the Magpies who were somewhat disturbed by this little fellow's antics.

(apologies for the sideways video. I keep forgetting you can't rotate video on my camera.)

Ess was thinking "will he climb all the way to the top or will he get scared?" she tells me.

I feel for Australia's koalas.  There is talk they may become extinct due to the cancer-causing virus when is prevalent in the koala population particularly on the east coast.  This added to the great urban sprawl gives them little hope.  However koalas on Kangaroo Island, South Australia, are found to be free of the virus.  This sounds very promising yet koalas are not native to the island and it is overpopulated.  There have been calls to cull the koala population on KI, due to the fact that the riverine habitat was becoming defoliated.  There was consideration of relocating koalas.  Discussions last year show that some have been relocated to the South East and that the problem is prevalent and the issues of sterilization, relocation and culling are still needing consideration.

A resident of Hahndorf told me that the koalas had been quite active there. I was surprised to see one in the town and wondered if he was one who had been relocated from KI??  He was adorable for us to view and I felt privileged knowing that it is not a common occurrence to see one of these furry friends outside a zoo and let alone one that is so active.

 

Of course being out and about in the Hills we could not resist some cherries.  These will be our last of this season.  On our last visit there was hustle and bustle in the processing of cherries.  Today there was only a saleslady with a few last boxes :(

...and strawberry picking in Hahndorf, which was actually the impetus for our trip.