Idyllic bathing huts – Dromana – relax and reflect.
photography
That’s life
More often than not, an opportunity to be in the garden offers a time for reflection. I reflect on recent changes, our return from Prague and family. I used to say that all problems are solved in the garden. For me, this is still true, especially when experiencing loss. It is during these times of complicated thoughts, that the garden offers solace and peace. 
Over the twelve years on the Mount, one companion has helped me dig, watched me weed, walked the paths with me and called out when it was time to go in. So when his time came a week today, it was very sad. Sarge, our fourteen year old cat, was a quirky character and a very personable cat. He was brave and fearless in his territorial duties – even venturing down a wombat hole.
He now rests in the garden he loved.
I guess that’s part of life. Nature overcomes all. For now, I continue to think of how fortunate it is to have a garden like this and animals to give it joy.
While I repot and re-plan, I reflect on the myriad of relationships we share with others and with Nature itself. Let us use our gardens to reflect on that which is lacking in our world today – peace. I wish you this in your garden today.
Window Boxes of Prague
We are reaching the end of our stay in Prague. It was more than expected – a truly wonderful city. Here are some gardening ideas to bring home – we should all have at least one window box or the like.
They are often simple geraniums in bold colours.
The full sun and the heat from the masonry walls ensure a dramatic display.
Begonias are another popular species for window boxes. 
These can be found in the windows of most residences and restaurants – delightfully simple.
(oops, I think this ivy is fake!)
Some need a little more love.
This red geranium is at Prague castle.
Ok, this may be too much. However, none of these are beyond the average home gardener, like us. Happy gardening!
Capture
After months of sunless days, today we captured the sun.
These tiny seasonal delights appeared and were caught – tangible sunshine.
Though the light fades and returns, the start of Spring is near.
White cat captures the moment.
And these cold-flowering rhododendrons are awash with crimson flowers and afternoon sun.
The mountain light subdues another remarkable day. We are captured by its
beauty and tranquility.
Capture each day – for it is wondrous. Enjoy your own special season – have a good weekend.
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.
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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. 
New Year Chick
Christmas has come and gone and we now prepare for the new year to come. As with all new experiences we enter with a sense of anticipation and perhaps some trepidation. I guess we should follow the example of nature’s little creatures – our new born chick – the first one in all these years of rearing chickens – has begun to grow into a strong little chick. He ventures into the new grassy world beyond the chicken pen with excitement and trepidation.
I wish you an exciting and carefree New Year with supportive and nurturing people around you.
He’s back!
Our resident kangaroo has returned for the summer.
This time he’s made a friend – our middle cat Albert. Enjoying an afternoon relax under the weeping apricot.
Just don’t eat the roses, mate!
He’s such an old boy. He can sit in our garden anytime 🙂
Scenic Sydney
A recent weekend with daughter No2 saw us experiencing the beauties of Sydney architecture, history and the magnificent harbour. Here are a couple of recognisable landmarks!
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In addition, the Hyde Park Barracks were open to reveal the living conditions of the early convicts. Not sure if these beds were that comfortable!
What a contrast with these people sunning themselves along the Circular Quay.
My favourite tree,the jacaranda was out to greet us too! After so much walking we settled for some giant chocolate strawberries instead. This venue was the genesis for another venture and another blog which we are working on – more information to be revealed soon.
Confronting
I guess I never expected to feel so overwhelmed and emotional visiting the Albany Whaling Station. It is the last remaining fully in tact whaling station and a sober reminder of our cruelty to these wonderful sea centuries. Over 14,000 whales were processed here until 1978. I was devastated.
Despite the mentality of the time that whale oil and baleen bone corsets were necessary, the sheer level of mechanical application which went into hunting the whale, harpooning it, dragging it to shore, dissecting it on the flensing decks, the blood, the bone, the barbarism was too much to bear today.
We all stood in silent contemplation of how this beautiful place could have witnessed such senseless degradation. Confronted, we were, indeed.
