Spring….the colours are back
A few months ago , I bought a beautiful new camera, a SLR Canon 60D, I was over the moon with happiness. I learned so much in a few weeks and had a spring in each step I took.
However, a few weeks ago, our house was burgled, my car was stolen, along with my camera and tripod, my car was returned, albeit a little dressed up with the thieves’ graffiti as a permanent reminder in the interior of the car…rotten mongrels…as for my camera…sadly it is still missing, since the burglary I have been feeling rather down ,sadly with my not being at work for such a long time and household insurance being so expensive, I didn’t have any…another kick when down…. I am missing being able to visually share my love of the outdoors and nature…hopefully one day I will be able to have the chance to be able to enjoy photography again.
I refuse to let those oxygen thieves get me down I gave Leah my old camera when I got my new one….it is hardly an SLR but it does take nice photos and so I am going to start walking again and take some more spring photos to share….
A little, but special change
http://alikey.com
I am now using my own domain name, after many moons I am able to use it…Thanks to my friend Craig.
The non event in Perth
Last night was a rare night where there was a luna eclipse, Perth was also the one place where one could view this wonderful spectacle…hmmmm with the weather being cloudy,misty with rain…we never got to see the eclipse…….I however did take a photo of the ‘non event’
Winter
Winter has slowly made it’s presence known here in Perth, am I happy ? No. After living in Wellington New Zealand(one of the 3 windiest cities in the world along with Chicago and Perth) for 8 winters I can honestly say I am not a winter person at all. We have had some rain, however after last year’s driest winters on record we need a very wet , wet winter to help Perth’s water shortage. It is the wind I loathe, here in Perth it seems to blast its way making our rather temperate winter very cool – I keep saying I need to fly north to the warmer climes…I wish. We are very lucky that our winter lasts the 3 calendar months it is given…then spring comes with so much warmth and colour – I can’t wait !
Physically I am getting stronger after my nasty accident in which I am happy to announce that the Motor Vehicle Accident Insurance Commission has accepted liability, which means I will be getting compensation which is wonderful, however nothing can take back the pain, the forced sick leave, the problems that my daughters have been through etc. to be honest I am glad to be alive.
I do have to say without dear , dear friends my recovery would have been much longer, they know who they are and I thank them from the bottom of my heart. I hope to return to full time work very soon.
Winter skies
Lake Monger , dry
No water for the swans
Nicky's new friends
25 years….
Today is 25 years since I stepped on Australian soil, a long time but a well loved time…and my thoughts ? Australia is a great place , especially my beloved Perth, it is beautiful, pristine, quiet, clean,old fashioned, boring (the press) , small, great to bring up children, fantastic beaches, parks , lakes , bush, …………I love living here…
Time heals …
During my hiatus, I was in a nasty car accident, a very idiotic person decided to run a red light, sadly for my I ended up with a lot of pain…fractured fibula and a fractured sternum , 4 months down the track I am still suffering, ohhh and by the way the other driver never got a scratch..and he is yet to accept liability. It would be nice if he did, then I would be able to live like a normal person, instead of wondering where the next lot of money is coming from.
Thankfully dear friends of mine, bought a car for me, so I could return to work , another precious friend helped me out with my rent and other bills, they are amazing angels, life would be very hard to comprehend if I didn’t have a car and a roof over my head.
I am now working 5 hours a day 3 days a week, starting next week, I asked my doctor to let me work 6 hours a day 4 days a week, not because I want to but because I have to…I need wages, I am not sure how I will go , however it is for under review by my doctor and if I find it too hard I will go back to the 5 hours a day..3 days a week…I need a roof over my head ie: rent and so this why the huge increase of hours.
I am lucky , very lucky to be alive, have all my faculties and I am getting better , I have been to my lakes to take photos and in the next few days I will be uploading photos of my visits…it has been a long hot summer, I have loved it, however being in hospital for 18 days 5 weeks convalescing I missed a lot of it…I am looking forward to next year when I can enjoy life a lot more.
Bruising from seat belt
The non fractured leg, still swollen and very sore
Fractured fibula
My zimmer frame
My beautiful car ..I thank my dear friends J&R for this amazing gift.
Missing, but have found my way back
I have decided to give my blog another go, try once a week and see how I go…
Since I last visited a lot has happened, one incredible , precious and amazing thing happened, I became a Grandmoo…(grandmother) to Nicholas, or Nicky…my darling Jade gave birth on the 20/10/2010 to a wonderful healthy boy, 8lbs 30z in the old weight and very healthy, I was fortunate to be asked to be Jade’s birthing partner, which was a wonderful experience to say the least…I was able to cut the cord too…so special for a grandparent to be able to do. Sadly the father, didn’t want to have any part of it, sat in a corner and distanced himself away from all the action, even when it came to holding his son, he had to be forced to hold his son…sad for all…however, Jade has done an amazing job at being a mom, I am proud of her and as Nicky goes, being a Granmoo, it is the best thing that has ever happened to me…
Nicky a few minutes old
A precious time
Superman
One word….Happy !!
Spring is here….
At last winter is over and I am very pleased. It has been a long winter for us Perthlings.
With spring comes new life, I was very lucky to be greeted by this wonderful family (:
Australian Shelduck
Scientific name: Tadorna tadornoides
Family: Anatidae
Order: Anseriformes
Beautiful mom
Handsome father
The family
"look mom, I can see under water "
Beautiful babe
A long week starts
Last year I was involved in a car accident, no major injuries however I was given a CT scan…..this resulted in the radiologist finding some nodules on my lungs. I went through a few weeks of worrying times, luckily the nodules were too small to do any biopsy and was told not to worry too much as they could be nothing, however I used to be a smoker (a reluctant smoker to say the least, I loathed the smell etc I gave up about 12 years ago and I haven’t looked back…..) and this is the worry…….the specialist said to come back in a year and have a CT scan to see if the nodes grow……today I had that scan……I have an appointment with the specialist in a week …..I am hoping my lungs are clear…….
After the scan, I went to my favourite park, Kings park to see if the wildflowers had started to bloom, a little early , but I needed some diversion and what better way to divert one’s mind than to get my camera and take some photos of bright colours …..and to share ……..
Mallee gum
Qualup Bell
little everlastings
Eucalyptus flower
pretty
28's
28 parrot......
28 parrot, named after the sound these gregarious birds make
my nocturnal life is almost finished……….
for now, hopefully I will be back soon with musings of lakes, walking and life
Broken sleep
What a night last night, it was very busy and when it came to going home, I passed my lake and headed straight home…I was exhausted, out of energy….I was looking forward to a nice sleep, however my neighbours made it quite clear they had come home , along with friends…how did I know ? by the loud slamming of doors outside my bedroom window, the constant yelling, slamming of house doors ……I hope they stay quiet tomorrow……
walking in the rain ?
Yes and I did…it was refreshing and good to know I have that eagerness to get fit and healthy……also great to know I had a nice warm bed to go to…….off to work soon…..4 nights to go ((:
I loved the music in the trees too……those birds can really sing
Perth waking up
The full moon in the morning
day break..........
………..and they clacked and laughed at me…….
Dear little Willy Wagtail
Mallard
Ibis in flight
- Koookoookakakoooooburras
After a beautiful day yesterday, a good sleep , I woke to the sound of rain, I turned over and went back to sleep. My alarm started making that “getup” noise……slowly I got out of bed , looked through the blinds and nodded ……walk time (:
Driving through the rain I was thinking what a nincompoop I am , walking in the rain, yes ? no not really, it has been a month since I started walking and exercising again, a month in which I have realised how much I really enjoy the beautiful environs we live in and that wonderful feeling of pain during exercising……I arrived at the lake, it was like a millpond still…serene and just like a watercolour picture….I enjoyed the walk, run, walk , taking in what is around me, even listening to the sounds of the feathered orchestra playing their music in the trees…..I did my 15 minutes of cross training .
I usually slow down at this stage of my Lake-land lark and just take photos and enjoy life. This morning I noticed and heard Kookaburras laughing, I stood and watched this pair flying to and fro to a palm tree….I noticed one of them had a bug in its mouth , so I assume they were feeding young . An enjoyable Monday morning…….now I must take rest , I have night shift tonight……..though I am thinking of going back to the lake later this afternoon……life is too good to just sit around inside.
Watercolour
Moody Monday morning
Hissssssss....not a happy swan today
"........and you stretch like this"
"I blend in very well......"
Does being stood-up mean one goes home to mope about wasted time ?
No is the answer (: – Today I was to have met up with a friend at my beautiful lake Monger, I arrived and waited and waited , the friend didn’t turn up and I decided not to walk around the lake but to go home and zone out……….driving home I took a wrong turn…….I ended up at lake Gwelup, which is about 5kms away from where I live . I stopped and thought “I might as well have a look around ” I started walking, the only noise was the occasional butcher bird, a giggle from Kookaburras and warbles of the native Magpie, ……it turned out to be a nice walk around the lake, the distance was 2.4kms , not as far as Lake Monger but I didn’t mind, sometimes a change is good as a rest… and I enjoyed my company and that of the birds up above me, plus it was a place I can visit again.
Beautiful lake Gwelup
Conservation area, plus boardwalk
Birdlife
Information
Native Magpie
End of the week
After a long week I can say …..I am happy to see the weekend. I have 3 three days off, which is wonderful – I am resting tonight, tomorrow I shall go for a nice long walk, not sure where yet, I do know I need to do the 9kms…I may even walk around the lake 3 times (; (instead of the heartbreak hills ) sunday I will go to the lake, visit a very close friend and Monday will do more or less the same thing
40 days until spring……. ((:
Thinking - colour
Light in stages
As I finished work this afternoon, I was having different thoughts about going for my walk, but I used self discipline and went walking, running and pushed my self on the cross trainer, as I got to the end of the walk, the sun started setting, the light was incredible, especially on the water………
After my workout I went and did a bit of retail therapy…..and I am happy
As the sun goes down, the light changes to the most beautiful colours…….I was very lucky tonight……..my camera had batteries and also room on the memory card…((;
The light seems to glow
"Who's winning"
Lorrikeets settling in for the night
Light as a feather
Went walking running and embraced the fresh air this afternoon, life is wonderful – B’H
How I felt after my walk/run.....light as a feather ((:
After work…..
Beautiful light
I had a busy day once again, after work I drove to lake Monger where I did my usual walking/jogging , I am getting fitter and really enjoying the exercise. It was the first time I have been to the lake after work, what a hive of activity, lots of people walking , running and enjoying the day. I did about twenty minutes on the cross trainer and after a rest of three days my shoulders are feeling good…….(I wonder when the lactic acid will set in and hurt (; )
As usual I took some photos…….I missed a wonderful sunset – my memory card ran out of memory……….I will be back tomorrow to try and capture the sun going down…….
Magestic swan......and very photogenic
very shy Ibis
sun setting on swans.......
Coots bobbing in the water
A long day at work…….
I have had one of those days, after about a month of not having to work during the day, I had an 8am start, that wasn’t too bad, it was just a very busy day, I then found I had left my running gear at home (hits forehead with my hand ) so I couldn’t go walking after work – never mind, after all tomorrow is another day……(;
one of my friends at Lake Monger
Cross trainer at the lake.........
Hyde park……no , not the one in London, but here in Perth
Today I decided not to go to my lake Monger, but to an old stomping ground, Hyde park is situated five minutes from Perth’s CBD , it is a little haven for birdlife and humans alike. I spent time just walking around taking in the beautiful vista, the old Moreton bay fig trees, the manicured lawns and the birdlife. There were plenty of humans too which was nice to see on such a grumpy day -
Spring in the air ?
Sunshine bonnets for a gloomy day
Flame tree blooms
Parrots like them too (;
Hyde park ponds
Jacaranda trees
Ibis
Come closer (;
and closer.....
I am a handsome fellow - am I not ?
Lake Monger, enjoying life …..
Lake Monger......3.8 kms
For the past three weeks I have been going walking around a beautiful lake near where I live, the scenery is so much better than a gym and I get to take photos etc…..and more importantly enjoy life……and so today I have decided to resurrect my blog with a daily report on my connections, my exercise and my photos…….
Lots of Coots (Eurasian)
Hello
Coots having fun
Stunning Rail
Black swan, Western Australian emblem....
amazing talent - eating underwater
Mothers day ……
I had a rather nice day with my 3 daughters , just relaxing and enjoying each other’s company.
The girls decided to have sticky date pudding for dinner, however we needed a few things from the store, so off we went, Jade suggested we do a detour to kings park , she hadn’t been there for awhile and mentioned that she had never been on the ’bridge over the trees’ so with a bit of hesitation I said yes….it was a sunny day but the wind was biting cold, a signal the winter is here, I had my camera and took a few photos then my camera died, the battery needed to be recharged. It was a good excuse to go home and get warm.
' walking with the giants bridge'
looking over towards the Swan river
Red flowering gum in the winter sun
footnote: the dinner was delicious (strogonoff with rice – compliments of my new rice cooker ) and of course the beautiful date pudding…a nice day all round.
A bargin
It has been awhile that I haven’t made a post, writers block or just not having anything really to say…..on that point I have decided even if I just post one photo, video , daily, I am utilising this blog.
Today I dropped Alice off at the train station and on the way back I had to stop and buy 2litres of milk , coming out I noticed out the front of the house next door there were some plants , I went and had a look, the most expensive was $1.50 I bought 3 with the loose change I had…a real bargain, I brought them home and re-potted each one. I am happy to say they are hardy the first is an elephant’s ear with purple stems, the next a Haemanthus lily…..I am hoping I have scored a red one as I already have the white variety and the third one a little parsley plant….I am very happy .
The weather has been rather nice this weekend, however recovering from night shift I am not able to do much as I am usually non compos
The three front plants in their new homes.....
Footnote :
Alice is loving her new job, she is working in Superannuation again and is happy and content………and so am I
A quiet time
The past week past with me feeling rather exhausted, at work it has been so busy , one feels very stressed and under pressure, this is due to lack of staff…….we just don’t have enough. I really hope along with my colleagues that we get more staff soon.
I am happy to say that Alice has finally scored a job ( finance and superannuation ) she is to start Monday week, it seems the whole world has been lifted off her shoulders. Unemployment here in Perth is still running at an all time high, so with Alice getting this job I am impressed!!
I have been a little slack with my exercise regimen and have slowly felt more and more guilty, so tomorrow I am kick starting with a walk with a good friend of mine just a little walk but a good one, it is in Kings park , I call it ‘my park ‘ as I find myself going there just to muse and enjoy the peace with nature , there are so many parts of the park where you are completely on your own – I love it (:
I will also be taking my camera, one never knows what one will see there either , whether it be wild flowers, birds or just beautiful trees. I did drive through the park the other day, I didn’t stop as it is school holidays (the one time where peace and quiet comes 2nd place ) I was very saddened to see the damage done to the trees from ‘that storm’ I just hope no firebug decides to set fire to the place, it is so tinder dry , a disaster waiting to happen.
Regarding storms, my plants are doing fine, the elephant ears, have new leaves and looking lush and green, as well as my roses, I just wish we would get some decent rain , then I will really be happy and so will my plants.
