MY WORLD ~ 35 * Snow in the High Country*

The Victorian Alps where we spent some magical time
last autumn with an unseasonally early 8" snowfall.



On the way up, a view to Mt.Feathertop and new snow.



Along the way a forest destroyed by fire years earlier.



Snow clinging to the bare branches like a flock of parrots



If you enlarge this, you will see the road winding
'ever on and on back to the place where it began'



view across the mountains, it is worth enlarging all of
them even if I say so myself.



A corrugated iron mountain hut used by once resident
meteorologists.



Snow Gums, Eucalyptus pauciflora, weighed down by snow

and a gift to me, a few pure white Snow Lilies.

We so seldom get snow where we are, well over 1,000

miles away that this was a major unexpected treat.

The doors of the world will open to you by a click on the Logo.

To Klaus and his minions my thanks for this my favourite meme.

TODAY'S FLOWERS ~ 23 * Winter Delights *

While walking across our paddocks yesterday,
these lovely blossoms stopped me on my way



their dainty petals tucked in caps of brightest red



unfurled before my eyes as there I stood and stared
quite unprepared to meet such loveliness of dancing
ballerinas clad in tutus upon a swaying Eucalyptus bow.



and homeward bound, returned to see
these pretty blossoms on my Almond tree!

The world is full of flowers, just click the Logo and you'll see.

Many thanks to Luiz Santilly Jr. and the lovely people on
his team for caring to provide this charming meme.

STILL NIGHT DREAMING

The night is still
no frog dares raise its voice
no insect hums
no leaf by wind disturbed
no lowing calf or sheep bleat
rends the tranquil air

What portend brings
this night so deep
what dreams may wake
and quicken?

The day at rest
and I at peace
the senses stirring
hushed night's dreaming

My head upon a pillow soft
nestles with eyelids drooping
slips gently by a dream caressed
into an angel's keeping

I roam a landscape often trod
not from this life remembered
in castle tall or by some brook
I move free and unfettered
faces feelings lovers lost
beckon, with smile remembered.

SkyWatch ~ 42 Three Minutes of a Sunrise

Please enlarge, they are well worth it.



4:43am, this is already some way into the sunrise,
I am only giving you the last three minutes of this
fabulous sky show.



4:43am the sky was changing so quickly I was shooting
a dozen shots a minute



4:44am and the difference is remarkable, these three
minutes held enough beauty to fill a lifetime, life was
on hold, the splendour was all around me as



4:45am I stood in awe, my eyes everywhere and my
shutter clicking away as though demented.



4:45am when I thought it could not get any better,
of course it did!



4:46am, it filled my heart and soul with overwhelming
colour, at last my camera hand sank and I just stood
there drinking my fill of this amazing morning gift.

Should anyone request it, I could post more of this
glory next week.

Rub your eyes, click on the Logo and enjoy other skies.

To Klaus and the SkyWatch Team, I wish all success with
Mr.Linly!, and a big thank you for persevering.

WATERY WEDNESDAY ~ 9 Coffin Bay

A stormy day at Coffin Bay, Eyre Peninsula,
South Australia.



These are the light effects that greeted us on arrival
one late afternoon in winter.



Pelicans perching and a cormorant lauching into space



With all that weather coming in, it was still a peaceful
yet invigorating scene.

Thanks to 2sweetnsaxy you can see lots of water by
clicking the Logo and joining in the fun.

MY WORLD ~ 34 Dusk at Murray Bridge

After the Murray Bridge and District Orchid Club's
winter show, a group of us decided to finish off the
day with dinner at one of the excellent local hotels.



Having cleared up the hall and done some Sunday
shopping, we still had time on our hands and headed
down to the mighty Murray River, the biggest river in
Australia. Whether it still is the bigget or not is questionable
since most of the water has been pumped out by the three
states it either borders or passes through. Murray Bridge
is the largest town before the river, some 100km down the
track, enters the sea... if perchance there is any water left to
make it that far.



There was still enough light to catch this Seagull



and an old paddlesteamer waiting for the return of its
passengers from living it up in the sleepy township.



Opposite the steamer, on a rise, the usual tourist trap
for food and souverirs, softened by lamplight.



A ship of dreams with one of the spans of the old
railway bridge behind.

As dusk settled on the river and the moonlight grew,
we left this enchanting scene for a convivial evening
with friends.



All photos enlage to enhance the enchantment.

To wander the world or join in, click on the Logo.

To Klaus and our group of gracious hosts of this

meme, my heartfelt thanks.

BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY WEEKLY ~ 17

Little Pied Cormorant, Microcarbo
melanoleucos in the Great Australian Bight.



Pelicans and Cormorants on depth indicators on a
part-time lake and sometimes pasture. Such are the
vagueries of weather!

Please enlarge, it is better than it looks here.

Find lots more birds on the Logo at right.