Moravian Karst, Punkva Caves and Macocha Abyss – a must see complete with underground boat ride. 
photography
Winter by the sea
Idyllic bathing huts – Dromana – relax and reflect.
Taming the Tamar
We walked the dogs
and talked
that morning
along the Tamar
Tree of Life
After our wintry summer in the Czech Republic we have returned filled with newfound vigour and hope.
Life does deal us remarkable events. This beautiful tree in Northern Tasmania, near Boat Harbour has come to symbolise new family connections and the strengthening of familial bonds – both near and far.
Peony time
This has to be one of the most exciting of gardening times – when peonies bloom. They are the grandest of all flowers – I think, at least, and very fortuitous in Oriental cultures. 
I would like to brag that this vase of pink and white blooms are from my garden but sadly no. They are from Springhill Peony Farm about thirty minutes from here. Each November they offer pick your own peonies – spectacular! 
Our garden has one peony plant and it has blossomed once since we have been here – an amazing yellow peony but never since! I must be doing something wrong.
I am going to enjoy this special time in Nature and maybe have some home grown luck next year. 
Happy garden time where ever you are 🙂
Magnetic sunsets
Our stay on the island has ended but not without a dramatic twilight farewell. These sunsets mesmerized us as we gazed out to Horseshoe Bay. We marveled at the beauty, the russet colours and time, for us, stood still.
Mother Nature is reminding us to take time to be still, appreciate and embrace serenity.
Sunsets herald a new day and celebrate our existence. We are grateful to have escaped the cold for a short time and now return to our mountain home. I hope you can find some time to stare out into your sunset afternoon.
Magnetic Island
Captain James Cook named this island in 1770 believing it caused interference with the magnets on board the Endeavour.
By the late 19th century Europeans had settled the island.
This island has captivated us.
Simply enchanting in mid winter.
He’s gone
For those who remember our resident kangaroo – here’s a recap. 
This old fella came every day to visit. Despite him eating my roses, geraniums and most vegetables – he really was an old, gentle and quite friendly fellow. He used to come quite close to the house and simply stare up at us.
He was a big boy too – over six feet and very fast. He used to scare me when I walked in the garden on a moonlit night! Even Albert cat liked him.
.
Recently, a neighbour told me they called the wildlife service to have him removed because he was annoying their dog. Poor fella – he’s gone now.
We saw him for the last time last summer. So this is my little tribute to this amazing creature.
Good bye old boy. We had fun! Wildlife is simply so special.
We’re back
After a long absence, cats and chickens and gardening in the mountains – we’re back posting – missed my blog – hope you are all still with me….
Join me for a cup of tea and a new journey… More to come. 
South Pacific
We have been fortunate enough to spend four nights in the tropical South Pacific on board the marvelous vessel, the Celebrity Solstice. More specifically, we visited New Caledonia and Vanuatu – Noumea, Loyalty Island, Mystery Island and Isle of Pines.
New Caledonia was discovered by Captain Cook on his voyage to find the new lands of the southern ocean. He named the archipelago in honour of Scotland – also known as Caledonia. New Caledonia is a French colony where the franc is local currency along with the French language – we brushed up on merci, Bon jour and sil vous plait. We admired bejeweled lobsters and sipped on fresh coconut juice.
By far, our favourite islands were Mystery Island – the Melanesians believe it to be haunted – it was used by the US as a landing field; and the Isle of Pines – crystal clear waters and unspoiled nature. We swam and even saw Nemo!
No wonder sailors and and artists came and never left. We immersed ourselves in the beauty that is
the South Pacific.
crabandfish garden 