It is hot and windy. The spring winds are dry and the earth is parched. Some rain is definitely needed at this stage. Some plants are already suffering as we can’t attend to the watering of all of them. We are on tank water hence restricted to a certain extend.
What I have noticed in times of stress is all the bamboos that we planted are shedding their leaves. The lawns are full of dried leaves. In our area it could be a fire hazard and can be quite scary.
it is a funny thing to say that all is dry, it is in a way, but our valley is green very green. There are, I was told by old timers around here, countless springs running underground. it is not too far from the truth, because our dam is always full even in times of dryness as it is at the moment. Sure, it does go down a little but never dries out. hence, yesterday Peter used the pump to fill the big tank for the vegie garden. This tank is only for our vegetables and a few plants outside.
The bottle brushes are in blooms and the parrots and there first thing in the morning to sample the first appearance of nectar on the flowers. They squawked all day long and fight with the native Minahs to steal this honey on the trees. Huge amount of turtle doves and crested pigeons have their home around here also, but I suspect very strongly it is because of the chicken run and all the grains that they can scavenged when they enter the coop. They don’t even fly away anymore. Just walk nonchalantly a little way and come back as soon as we go.
The bougainvillaeas (Boogies) are all in blooms and look just stunning and resplendent with their new leaves and flowers. They are a delight and add a superb colour to the garden.


One big mother hen (Lady Grey) a grey Wyandote has hatched a few eggs and we have 4 little cuties running, cheeping, and eating as fast as they could. As if they could not wait growing up. They have found a way to get out of the double wire fence and they mix quite happily with the rest of the flock. As soon as they see me coming they run right back inside. We are just worried that the local python will make a nice dinner out of them one day, so we are vigilant.



With the planting of massive amount of trees when we first arrived in this valley, we have noticed also an increase migration of native birds. Grey and white pigeons are nesting in the bamboos, rails are frequenting more openly the area of the dam which is lush with native vegetation, the swamp hens have really decided to nest also on the huge clumps of sedge around the dam, the ducks arrive in the early morning for a dip and a flutter in the dam. The other day a huge goanna scampered around the cows. This big lizard is common around here but had not been seen it for quite a while. Cows were not fussed.
Yesterday saw the arrival of the local dingo. The swamp hens , the birds, the ducks made a raucous commotion and started hounding him away. Even our dog got into the chase and the dingo ran across the fields and onto the neighbour’s paddocks at great speed. Poor dingo not a hope around here. He was safe in the other field as John always feeds him.The animals have become very territorial around here.
I know that our little pet Butchie is on a few eggs at the moment. She knows when the dog is being fed and arrives just on time for her evening meal. The only one at the moment. But she is here everyday at 5 o’clock on the dot.
So, yes, spring is here and with it a renewal of flora and fauna. Superb sunsets and the early mornings mist are a feast to the eyes. The days are longer and longer, the air is sweet of nectar and perfume. The crickets have started they nightly din which can be quite deafening at times. The frogs are also croaking more prolifically no doubts looking for mates. As long as they are not cane toads, the scourge of this area.
In all that the body and mind just witness the manifestation of renewal, the beauty of nature, the infinite gift that we are given to see all of this with all our heart and soul. No fights, no lies, no quibbling, no politicians, no crisis, no wars, just a spectacle of natural beauty unfolding in front of us with all it has to offer for us to blend in and enjoy. A true feeling of joy, serenity, calm and peace. If only our mind would keep quiet for a little while……
Till next time.