Reflections

As we come to the end of another year (and another decade too), it inevitably becomes a time of reflection. I find myself thinking about what we were doing 10 years ago and then think about how old we will be in 10 years to come and that life is passing us by way too quickly! Like many we've certainly had challenges along the way but we have so much to be thankful for. We are in the midst of more hot weather so we tend to hibernate inside in air-conditioned comfort...something we are very thankful for. These hot days the birds have been splashing in the bird bath making a lovely mess of the mirror but the reflections still intrigue even in the evenings where inside reflects out......

Each morning we wake to possum mess and more mess left by the birds scratching in the garden. This time I caught one of the culprits....a spotted dove. They are a gentle bird with such lovely spotted plumage but they do leave a mess including copious amounts of poo on the fence! But having no dog or cat means we welcome them in our little yard. On the link I read they were introduced to South Australia from China and SE Asia in 1880 - not a good idea really as they threatened native species but now they are facing extinction themselves......

So another Christmas has passed us by. Having a small family meant it was very quiet but the week leading up to it was fun. This year Wade was of the age where it was all rather exciting and for some reason he became obsessed with snowmen! There is a wonderful light display in a nearby street but with daylight saving little people can't enjoy it as it isn't dark until well after 8.30 at night. So instead we visited during the day and found some snowmen for him........ 

 More fun at the shops and he looks a natural driving.......

 Here in Adelaide we have many icons one being the Frog cake. Even Wikipedia tells us they are from South Australia and dating back to 1922! So we introduced Wade to a mini version and I think he approved!!......

 Christmas Day was at Beau and Maisie's place where we shared a delicious brunch of eggs, bacon and croissants cooked by Brett. I decided to try making a wreath I had seen in a magazine - not quite like the magazine version but delicious none the less with ham circles, bocconcini, cherry tomatoes and basil. The pavlova platter was delicious too and so easy to whip up with strawberries, raspberries, cherries, passionfruit pulp, meringues and whipped cream. Next time I'll add chocolate sauce and blackberries........

 The unwrapping of gifts is always a joy to watch.......

Trying to get a family photo is almost impossible but you can see Wade looking at someone instead of the camera while saying cheeeeese!!

 We received an indulgent box of handmade chocolates from a local chocolatier Bracegirdles and all with a Christmas theme too.....worth remembering with all the photos because they will soon be gone forever!!......

 So we have no sooner finished opening cards and putting up decorations and it will soon be time to take them all down again........

 Our list of people to send cards to is diminishing and I think I forgot a few this year but we received many lovely ones....

 My final reflection for 2019 from my Dalai Lama desk calendar is particularly poignant as the year comes to an end.......

We hope that 2020 is a year of peace and good health for you all. 

Thankyou from our house to yours for your emails and messages and I will share some new stitching ideas I am working on very soon.

Life Goes on

In just two sleeps it will be Christmas but we are all feeling somewhat flat and despondent with all the devastation and loss around us. The bushfires have been relentless and in New South Wales alone they have burnt an area larger than the area of Wales in the UK. Here at home we've had the hottest days on record and as I write this post there is a smoky haze in the atmosphere as winds spread the smell of smoke far and wide. So far in the Adelaide hills 86 homes have burnt down with 500 sheds and outbuildings and countless livestock, wildlife and businesses including at least eight wineries completely destroyed. The tragic loss of life, is hard to read but includes eight in NSW and one here in South Australia. We've already donated cash to one special family here that we know of that lost everything so it is heartening to read of countless acts of generosity and kindness from businesses and total strangers. But life goes on and somehow we have to accept it all. The true heroes through all of this are the fire fighters including so many on a voluntary basis.......

Photo source

So when one reads of the loss of life fighting the fires the emotions are overwhelming especially this image of these two young fathers who lost their lives and were also volunteers.......

Photo credit and Story

So while feeling sombre I did record the heat in the garden which is nothing compared to losing one's entire property. The hydrangeas while in semi-shade still didn't cope so now my broken William Morris umbrella protects it.........

 Other plants survived but tree leaves sizzled, petunias wilted and even a baby bird and grasshopper weren't so lucky........

 There is evidence that the monarch butterfly caterpillars are back but we haven't been able to find their cocoons so we hope to see more in the coming weeks.......

We are reminded that we must protect the little ones from the sadness around us so we've enjoyed some special moments together during the week.....

 I had a birthday a few days ago...always a busy time in the week leading up to Christmas but we enjoyed a dinner one night with friends.........

And I received this extra special gift in the post - a William Morris book published in 1934.....thankyou to that very special friend......

 and Larry spoilt me with this wonderful outdoor mirror and I love the reflections and how it has added depth to our small back area.......

 Topsy is oblivious to all the bushfire devastation so we continue to enjoy his company with the hope that when Christmas comes to you and your loved ones it is filled with joy and happiness x