Spring has Sprung. Apparently.

I think it's a tropical apricot or maybe peach.  It's down in the 'back half'.  The back half of our five acre block which is pretty much left as bush, apart from a few things we have tried to grow over the years.

This tree was one of a few 'tropical' stone fruit trees that we have tried to grow.  However it doesn't fruit very well, but the blossoms are pretty.  For the 5 or so minutes that they are out.  Or so it seems.  I saw it in flower one week.  Intended to take a photo the next week.  Actually went down to take a photo.

and found that only a few of the blossom remained.  Still pretty.

The signs of spring are everywhere.

Our garden has really been producing well.

This was the garden back in April this year 

Plenty of kale and cauliflower and broccoli outside the shadehouse too.  It seems to be quite the season for broccoli - it seems just about every blog I read is proud of their broc.

Everything nice and green. Some nice rain has helped, but more would be nice too. 

I have to wonder though how many more Spring seasons our old girl Angel will see.  She is such a funny dog, always happy.  She has some weird habits though.  She will be 12 in December and has really just started to slow down.  Prematurely grey, she does look a bit older than her years.  Probably a bit  like me after surviving her first TEN few manic years! 

cheers for now 

Wendy 

After the party

The Party went well and thankfully no accidents or incidents to report!  When I was out shopping pre-party and mentioned to anyone that we were having an 18^th party, I was met with looks of horror/sympathy or wishes of Good Luck! 

source

So we weren’t really sure what to expect.  We know a lot of son’s friends, but not all of the ones coming.  We also hear so many media reports of wild parties, gatecrashers etc. So it was a little daunting.  We had a few security measures in place and a few friends over to help and give moral support.

However on the whole it was a great success.  It was all pretty casual.  The kids were organised, responsible and most of all had fun I think.  It’s a bit of a novelty for some to be on acreage – we had a big bonfire but it was a bit of a fizzer due to lack of aged wood to burn.  I think they enjoyed it though.

 The after looked a little like this...

 However I was really hoping this visitor didn’t come out on the night.

 

I spotted him above the kitchen window the night before.  The photos aren’t very good; I was just holding the camera up and taking the shots hoping I had it in the frame, but you get the picture!

It does look like it’s trying to get in under the roofing iron, but the hubster assures me it can’t get into the house (I often remind myself, it can't get into the house).  I have to admit to racing inside to check that it hadn’t!  I guess it was just looking for a warm spot to spend the winter.

Look at all those geckos!  Obviously we live in Queensland.  I wish the snake would take a liking to them.

Earlier in the week I had seen this snake in the yard when Angel our big boofy dog made a funny yelp.  When I went out she was cowering from it.  She had obviously investigated its' transit across from a garden bed (probably making its way to the house). 

Yes she did get a bite on the snout, but she is fine as carpet snakes / carpet pythons are non-venomous.  I  rang the vet to check.

So all in all, it’s been a big week.  Two over-stressed worn out parents combined with one fully aged 18 year old!

I thought I would throw in a photo of Angel.  This is a few years old, she is much greyer now.  Especially on that sticky-beak snout!

We are heading down to northern rivers NSW for a few days to catch up with some friends.  I'm looking forward to some serious market-time!

Cheers for now

Wendy 

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.

 ===

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!

Mandarin-mad dog!

 
 Or should that be mandarin mad-dog!

Our normally sweet, but ever so slightly silly dog Angel loves this time of year.

 She loves her mandarins. 

She has weird tastes - which include mandarins.  She also enjoys bananas and tomatoes.

(Please excuse my terrible recording skills, but this is a first for me with new camera!  Hopefully you will be able to view the clip).


Enjoy.

cheers for now
Wendy