Flower Float Bowls

This is such a hot time of year, but it’s nice that some things are flowering away.  I love these flowers - so pretty, but they don’t last long. 

They are Native Passionfruit flower.

I picked up these flowers this morning.  I thought the tree was a Candlenut but hubby informs me that it is a type of flame tree (Little Kurrajong - Brachvchiton bidwilli)  - and yes he is a bit of a know-all when it comes to anything of a botanic nature.

I just love the colour of these.  Not much of a show on the actual tree, but pretty as they fall on the ground, or in a bowl.

So nice to be thinking cool thoughts at the moment!  

Joy of joys!  Son's OP result has come in (for those familiar with the Queensland system it was a 4) and we are all very happy.  It should see him offered his first choice of Engineering at Queensland University.  He is happily working two part time jobs at the moment, saving money and having some free time over the holidays.

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So much sadness though in the States at the moment after the latest shootings.  Sending thoughts and prayers to those affected.  Such things are totally beyond comprehension.

cheers for now Wendy 

PS: Waving hi to my 50th (I can't believe it!) follower Caroline.  Welcome along Caroline.  I am a bit of a sporadic blogger, but hope to work on that in 2013.

Running short of time

Running short of time!

(This lovely clock is no longer in my possession.  Last year I donated it to the RSL club in Brisbane, where my Dad was a long standing committee member many years ago.  It was originally given to him by the club when the earlier old hall where they used to meet, was demolished.  I thought it was nice to complete the cycle.)

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Blog posts may be sporadic, as once again I enter the working (paid work!) world.  Only a temp job, but not sure how long it will go for - and not a long commute unlike my last adventure.  Sometimes things just present themselves and you just have to run with it and see what happens :)

Of course, I can't really use the 'stay at home mum' tag as Son has now finished school!  He returned from Schoolies at the Gold Coast looking fit tanned and happy, so a big sigh of relief.  It proved to be a very long week for the ones at home.  We haven't been drilling him for too many details but some bits and pieces are emerging which all sounds fine.  Still thinking of the tragedy that occurred that week though, so sad.

Things are very tropical around here at the moment.  Hot and muggy with more hot weather on the way. The lovely loaded Tamarillo tree I mentioned in last post was split in half in a storm and lost most of the fruit.  However, still plenty more coming along luckily.

I was going to load more photos, but couldn't for a couple of reasons.  We are changing between computers and it's a bit puzzling trying to work out photos at the moment.

Also!  I have just have the 'you are out of space' message re downloading photos to the blog.  Some help needed please from  those more savvy.  A few people seem to be having this problem.  Do I really need to add more space or is it a bit of a scam?

Good luck over the next few frantic weeks into the Silly Season!   I'll be reading your blog for sure, and hopefully making a comment too.

Cheers for now
Wendy

What's new around here?

Well a few things I guess.  Lots of tamarillos starting to ripen.  These trees are amazing, I cannot believe that they were only planted last year, and this is the second crop from them.

 

 Lovely, and so easy to grow.

As are some bananas not far off ripening.  We tend not to bag the bunches.  Hubby prefers to cut down the tree and leave the bunch to ripen.   Not a perfect solution, but they are really too high where they are growing (in the chook pen) and awkward to get to.

We do tend to share a fair few with the possums though.

Also new is this soon–to–be–finished–Grade 12 – student.  Gasp shock horror -I know. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – where has this year gone?   His last day is actually tomorrow, when we will all be going along to final assembly  gathering finale.

Look how he has morphed in the short time from Grade 8 (on the right) to Grade 12!.  No head shots included to protect the innocent - or maybe that should be so he is not recognised when  photographed at Schoolies next week (insert more gasp shock horror). 

I have been dreading this moment for many years, hoping upon hope that by the time he finished that the event  would be considered so yesterday.     Instead it’s like – so happening next week!!!

I will not be watching the News.  I will not be reading the newspapers where they continually focus on all the bad bits.  Instead I will be content with the daily (insisted upon) phone call when I know all I’ll hear is something like ‘yep I’m fine all good  / having a great time’.  That will be enough for me, all other details spared thank you.

 

 Source

So I’m planning to keep busy next week.  I am working on my new, yet to be completed Etsy store!   Ebay has been good to me, and I will continue to sell odds and sods there.  However, I felt I wanted a different avenue for vintage collectables that I have and I’m wanting to declutter.

The name of course will be Vintage Declutter.  Watch this space, I’m not the fastest cab off the rank, and I want to be sure it’s all set up properly before I unleash it.

I’m also hoping to initiate a blog with the same name covering the items as I list them.  That may well follow later, will see how I go..

Cheers for now

Wendy

 **Anne**

I  think the exams were just a minor blimp in the radar on the way to end of year Anne! 

Kim – we won’t be able to keep them all Kim – would you like me to send some down?   Knowing our luck, they will be mainly roosters (those cute last 3 hatchlings are all roosters!?)

Kirsty @ Bowerbird Blue – psycho mama has actually settled down a lot Kirsty.  She seems more settled than the other creamy one now. 

Edwina – thanks for your comment Edwina and for hopping over here!  (Chicks and kids both re attitude btw)

muppy – they are cute muppy, but there are so many of them!

Shake a Tail Feather

Well it’s been a long time between chicks - they are well and truly hatched.  Fifteen in total – 10 to creamy hen and 5 to little black/brown hen.  Sorry to have kept you all in suspense.

The eggs were all mixed up, so I think each has a mix from all the hens.  They are all going well, so well that they are now nearly getting close to a one month old and have tail feathers!

The funny part  is that hubby made me a temporary divider in the nursery wing.  Little brown/black hen used to be one of my favourites, and I’d often pick her up and carry her around.  However, now she has turned into psycho mama.  

Here she is giving me the eye, planning an attack.

I have to walk through her pen to get to the other one, and I have taken to wearing gum boots and gloves just to attend to food and water for them!  However, she is settling down a bit now that chicks are a bit older.  Just a protective mama I guess.

As indeed I am.  Our son  has almost finished Grade 12.  He had his last full day of school yesterday, and just 3 exams over the next 2 weeks.  Only has to attend school on those days.  Then final chapel assembly  on the 16/11...... then it’s over.  Sigh.  Big sigh.  I was only just getting used to him being in Grade 12 – and now it is over!!

 (Coffee trees in flower again).

The school Formal has been and gone followed a few days later by ....Graduation.  We were involved – but only in a small way.  Nice to see them all glammed up.

It just all goes so fast, that’s the problem!

And these two ... what can I say?  I'm tempted to caption this snap Dumb and Dumber.  However, that would be unkind.

... to Dexter at least.  His label would read I'm a Terrier and Cannot be Trusted near Fast Moving Objects (this includes chickens) and have to be tied up.



Angel however had just walked into Dex's lead where he was tied....... and stopped.  If she could have marched in place. she definitely would.  I leave you with that thought.

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cheers for now
Wendy

**Anne** - yes they are all cute when they’re little aren’t they?!

 

quinn – it all worked out in the end.  I separated the two hens once the chicks  started hatching.  She didn’t seem too upset about missing out.   Next time, I won’t let that situation develop though.

Coal Valley View – I hope you get some chickens one day Mel, I’m sure your kidlets would love them.

veggiegobbler – sorry to have kept you in suspense for so long VG!  A happy result in the end, apart from Psycho Chook!