Current Book Reading.

 I'm really enjoying this tale,  well researched and definitely captivating. I can't wait to read more from this author, who is an Australian. K.

TODAY'S ENCOUNTER.

 Wee turned out of our avenue today to find a line of traffic in both directions, We live in a very quiet area near a forest corridor along with a beautiful lagoon, sporting many blue water lilies, so we were somewhat baffled at a traffic holdup. My Dear Husband said there appeared to be a cat waddling across the road and everyone was waiting, so as not to startle the animal. We could see some small movement at the pedestrian crossing, of all places. As the small bundle of fur came closer toward our position, it was obviously not a cat. There,  walking, no waddling towards us, was a Mother Koala with baby on board her back.  How wonderful to see so many folk stopped to allow her and her babe, safe passage across the road and further up the rise of the road.

DH quickly parked our car into the verge, grabbed his camera and followed the Mother and babe up the rise. There were several trees, gums and others, along the opposite verge area.  My DH talked to the Mother very calmly, she allowed him to pat her, gently reassuringly guiding her away from the traffic on the road, before leaving. She paused after she climbed the correct variety  of Gum tree to watch him walk away. When he turned to see if she was content in the tree, she stopped to look him in the eye, so he took another photo of her and her precious cargo.   After watching the process of her and her babe along the road, what a thrill for me to see the photos. It was certainly very uplifting,  especially after this time last year, with so many of these amazing animals lost to the raging bush fires along Australia's east coast regions.

 A pause with eye contact, before she headed up the Gum tree to safety.

Well done Mum! Of all the different gums  in the area, she knew exactly which one was the correct one to choose.

An Evening at the Beach.

  It was a hot afternoon, when we met up with a group at the beach, for a picnic-barbecue.

When we arrived, we parked looking out to sea while waiting for other members of the group to arrive. While we watched,  there appeared much splashing and spraying  a wee way out in the deeper water. Sure enough, there were frolicking whales, probably on their way back down south. My camera shots were n't fast enough to capture any great photos, however it was fun to watch.      

About an hour later  my DH noticed smoke from the dashboard of  recently parked car. A young Mother was frantically trying to remove her children, belongings  and baby equipment.  Several folk ran to help, within less than a couple of minutes or so,  the car became a major fire

Many folk, ran to remove their vehicles which were parked nearby, ours included. There was an onshore wind so the black acrid smoke was billowing across the picnic area and up the face of the coastal  foliage  cliff to the  coastal road. Our car windows were covered in black soot when it was time to drive home. Such a small vehicle, burnt for a very long period of time. It was sporting an aero dynamic roof compartment when the car arrived. It just melted completely. there were many small explosions, probably airbags or electrical components. Several of us were watching from behind a massive trunk of a Norfolk Pine, using it as protection as we anticipated an explosion from the petrol tank. Thankfully, that did not occur. 

The fire brigade arrived about 15 minutes later, to extinguish the blaze that was still burning furiously. We also noticed the police, interviewing the young mother, at the other end of the picnic ground. The fire brigade said it appeared to have started from the air conditioning vent.

However, we did enjoy delightful company and delicious food  after such an alarming incident. We washed the windscreen of our car so we could see out and drive home safely.

K.

Ten Months of 2020

 It has taken many months to deliver this post. Shall we call it 2020 and remember how life has changed with all that has come with this year. Thankfully, we  have been very well throughout the preceding ten months, as always, even before. Our area has had very few problems, only those in the early stage as folk returned from a particular cruise. Our lockdown was very reasonable with most  doing social distancing, obeying the rules and wearing masks. We have plenty of sunshine and fresh air, for which, one is very grateful, with no resemblance to the air quality of this time last year.  We ventured out only for walking and food shopping, Being at home is never a problem. We are always creatively inclined, so have plenty on our "to do" lists. Life seems to be back to some normality, for many of us, living in this region. However in other parts of our wonderful country, life has been very cruel in many ways.  One can only feel sadness, for those who have lost family members and loved ones. It is concerning to think of the many folk who are no longer employed, who are homeless,  alone, or destitute because of the restrictions that have been enforced.

I hope these photos can lift your spirits.

  Other photos of completed stitched items in the next post,  for now, just a few photos of small stitching necessities that have been collected over the years.

Some of these have been hand made over time, others purchased, along with gifts and those handed down from family or friends. My collection keeps growing.  It is a constant source of joy and stitching inspiration.

Enjoy.

 

Overdue Post.

I didn't realize I hadn't posted since Christmas,  such a long time ago, well so it seems. I hope to rectify that over the next wee while.

Happy New Year, 2020..

It is hard to believe it is a week since we celebrated Christmas and today we celebrate a New Year and New Decade. In most instances time flies so fast, while other times it drags. Not too much of the dragging of late. Life has been so very busy, with fun and pleasurable experiences.  We were  invited to share the festivities with family and friends, however we declined this time because of the travelling,  opting to be at home.   

The celebratory season  in the southern  hemisphere, is summer time.  Warm days  and of course the end of the school year, so many folk enjoy a long holiday break.

I  love Christmas and this time of the year. One can usually feel the excitement in the air and for many,  it is normally contagious. This year has had a very different atmosphere.  Sadly our country continues to suffer further widespread, raging bush fires, loss of property,  also loss of lives. Both gallant fire fighters and some who have lost their lives, after choosing to stay, to try and protect their property.  No Joy for these folk, their loved ones,  their towns and communities. We were blessed with gentle rain on our way home on Christmas Eve, What a delight to see it caressing parched ground, gardens and lawns. It fell softly through the night with a very heavy downpour at 6am Christmas Day. Not a drop of rain since, with none forecast anytime soon. The drought continues.

We had a delicious Christmas Dinner of ham, roasted stuffed turkey breast,
roast pumpkin, potato, local fresh king prawn and mango salads and dressings.

 

Our climate does not bode well for traditional Christmas Pudding. This year  I chose to  make a cold treat for our Christmas fare.  

 

A White Chocolate Cheese cake with  raspberries and shards pf pistachio, and pepita 

praline.

                    Only 357 days till we celebrate this event once again. Let's hope our scorched and blackened land, will soon be rejuvenated with cool and refreshing rain, to enhance regrowth and greenery. I wish for you all a Happy New Year with many joyful blessings.