TODAY'S FLOWERS ~ Memories of warmth

No, these are not from today. I needed some warmth on this cold,

wet winter's day so I am posting these that I took in February, in

the heat of our summer. They cover a large pergola shading our

carport.

Click on the Logo in my sidebar to see many more flowers around

the world and join in yourself.

SkyWatch ~ . . . But a Moment in Time

Summer skies, shot within seconds of each other in less than

a minute, with no adjustments whatever.

Quite a lot happening all in the blinking of an eye . . .

This one was taken looking straight up to see the clouds darting

in all directions.

They all enlarge for closer inspection.

With many thanks to the Skywatch team for keeping this great meme afloat.

Nature Notes ~ The Halcyon Days of Summer

Our terrible heat waves seem to be abating, nights are a
delight of cool breezes wafting twixt open door and window
lulling us into peaceful and refreshing sleep.

Even this water lily I have managed to coax into its first
flowering after 3 years of suspended animation in a bucket
of water in the shade house to at least keep it alive
through the tail end of our massive drought.



Days full of blue skies and friendly temperatures to be enjoyed
while they last and my slowly dribbling hose keeping my rose
garden a joy to behold and a delight for the senses.

On a more sobering note, the Willy-Wagtails bred sparingly this
season. Our normal contingent of owls was conspicuous by its
absence. Early in summer one Mopoke called, decided this was
not a good place to be, and left. Surprisingly, with the dry seasons
we have had, there have been no plagues of field mice or indeed
any evidence of them. Hardly a wonder that the owls moved to
greener pastures.



In 'normal' seasons, when the Naked Ladies, Amarillis Belladonna,
grace us by their presence, the first autumn rain follows in two
weeks. No such luck this year though.... it is just uniformly dry.



To see how others are faring, click on the Logo.

Thanks to Michelle at Ramblibg Woods, we can enjoy seasonal variations
from all around the world.

Nature Notes ~ Gecko and Bunny

This delightful little fellow was in the laundry trough, guess
who made a beeline for the camera...
















he had the cutest markings and little adhesive feet. We have two
varieties of these, the other is smaller and paler and has little suction
caps. Both are seldom seen as they are night feeders and delight in
chomping the mosquitos on the screens. I have only ever had the
pleasure of seeing one of each in the 17 years we have been here on
the farm.

My daughter reports that they are often seen at her place a

little further down hill. Our prevalent geckos are quite snake like

and are easily mistaken for snake hatchlings. They are about 4"-6"

long, dark grey with two pronouncesd yellow lateral stipes. At first

sight they appear to be legless. Closer inspection however reveals

their very short little legs which they propell themselves forward

in a snake like wriggle.

The grandchildren found this tiny flea ridden bunny and brought

him home and were full of excitement about taking him back with

them to Sydney as a pet. He was such a lovely colour too.

Unfortunately, not only was he full of fleas but also succumbed to

the calisi virus the next day. They had wondered why he could be

so easily picked up!

This summer the owls have not returned and I miss hearing their

call of Mopoke in the night.

To balance out, we have scores of swallows again. They are fun to

watch against the darkening sky in the evening or grazing the dams

for rising mosquiteos.

*

The Nature Notes Logo will take you to our host site of Rambling Woods

where many interesting observations are to be gleaned. Thank you

Michelle for hosting this informative meme.

SkyWatch ~ Simple Summer Skies

The clouds roll up even in the summer time, the grasses have
dried off to just my favourite shade of Naples Yellow.

Dark clouds, light clouds, and a big patch of blue.

The lone tree supported by one of our patches of forest peeping

over the crest of the hill. A patch of bracken still shows green

dividing the dry paddock... ah, the joys of summertime...

Now click on the logo to see more skies, but please leave a

comment before you go.

Thanks to the industrious SkyWatch team we can all share

the beauty of our skies. Enjoy!

SkyWatch ~ 25 Summer Cloud

Enlarged they are much more effective.

Fickle Clouds

Clouds rolling by

the sky may darken

and to them

watchfully we hearken

*

The thunder rolls

with promise deep
yet all their drops

of rain they keep

*

and do not spare

from their great bounty
a drop to wet

the ground so bare

*

to those who wait

and watch and hope

the fickle clouds

say one word: Nope!

To fly the skies, click on the Logo.

Hats off to Klaus and the SkyWatch Team

for minding this extensive meme.

The Willow Maiden

For Willow, who gave me courage when needed.



The willow maid lies sleeping
within old willow bole
her golden mantle shed once more
the damp ground thickly litters



Old willow tree is dreaming too
of summers past the counting
his bony fingers stroke the ground
caressing tiny saplings
he is content, can sleep again
till winter solstice passes
then longer days within his veins
the sap will drive and quicken

While snow still lingers all around
and gales may storm and whip him
his wily toes long chilled, draw upward life
with pink and golden twigs he glistens

While winter lingers
willow maid is dreaming dreams of spring
the snows are gone
she stretches eyelids fluttering

His old heart gladdens with new strength
the living sap shoots upwards
gold buds his head bedeck
she prances forth in joyous dance
in whirling loosened catkins
her golden hair is clad

The green of willow fronds she weaves
about her gleaming head
soft supple limbs with leaves are decked
as dancing forth she goes

In summer's languid heat she lies
upon the river bank
her cooling toes and fingers
in lazy water waving
the fish and river creatures
craving her cooling shade

Till once more blow the winds of change
with driving rain and golden leaf
she whirls the season's bidding.