That which I can not avoid...

is nearly upon me.

Did I write that?  It sounds so, perhaps victorian melodrama?   And yet, I just wasted about a half hour on eBay looking at things with Ravens on them, so, that just may be where Im at.

Since I last blogged, Ive had one good friend offer me a willing ear and some sensible suggestions on this issue.  That was really helpful, and went a long way toward calming me down.

But you know, I cant win. 

That may be the thing that stinks the most to me.  You know, nobody likes a game they can't win. 

I dont think there is anything constructive to be gained by going deep into the why that is - at least not at this late stage.  But I will put down some other thoughts that have been jogging in a big circuit around my brain, keeping me awake at night and generally making a nuisance of themselves...it wont be a complete set of thoughts, and it is in no particular order.  #just sayin'

CAUTION:
If you are sensitive about Christmas and do not want anything to challenge that...
DONT READ THIS!

Something may be missing in my 'value system'. 
Maybe Ive just been away from the surviving members of my 'family of origin' too long. (Migrant issue)
Maybe its just becauseof the sweltering heat, blazing sunshine and general loudness.
(As opposed the the chilly - hang out by the fire, short days/dark early and the hush of snowy rooftops.)
Anybody notice there is something obscenely self-aggradizing about showering people with gifts and wrappings and cards and  entertainments and mountains of food?
Everybody knows there are hungry and homeless people out there, right?  Quite possibly nearby too.
I see the why, I understand the desire...its just...it makes me uncomfortable.
We all have so much, and most of it we dont need at all, and will throw away in no time at all.
The lights are pretty.
Its nice to buy someone you love a present (especially if its a nice present, ie: not socks! LOL)
My mother LOVED Christmas.  She's been dead since 1993.
Anybody else notice the piles of discarded furniture and appliances outside homes starting about October?  (Why do so many people have to re-decorate before they can have their 'loved ones' over for lunch?)
Wrapping paper and cards - sure they are lovely - but - more dead trees...Can nothing escape this?
I get the feasting thing... I get that, thats ancient human stuff.  But, so often its too much.
And the expectations!  Aw geeze, they really make getting along with other people a tricky proposition.
Everyone should remember that I think packing a bag to spend a night away is more hassle than its worth.
And anyone who knows me, knows I dont like crowds.
So...really.....is it any wonder that I am not enjoying this the same way so many others do?
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Depending on what happens in the next few days, this may be the last of The Christmas Rant.

Untill next year................(((((Theme from Jaws)))))

Im not gonna edit this - goodnight!   Have Happy Holidays However You Like Them Everyone!

Bush Birthday Picnic

She's more articulate than I am lately

Here our trusty Land Rover Discovery powers her way up a punishing 4WD trail somewhere in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales. You can not only see some good wheel articulation, but you can also just glimpse the new front diff guard* underneath. (Its the bit thats still shiny.) Later in the day our new rear diff guard* paid for itself by taking a nice hit during a water crossing - but no pics of that this time.

Anyhow, here is a shot from the top for you to enjoy.


* diff guards
Metal housing designed to protect your differential**

** differential
(disclaimer: this is a nutshell explanation - do not write and complain)
A vehicle's wheels do not always rotate at the same speed (like when going around corners) Your differential compensates for that, preventing one wheel spinning while the other drags.

So obviously, 'cracking a diff' leaves you S.O.L.***

*** S.O.L.
S**t out of luck.

Just a picture today

Sulphur Crested Thugs

Another archive shot. Sulphur Crested Cockatoos prune my Acacia Cultriformis last August. As you can see, I wasnt able to sneak up on these guys to get better shots. To add insult, they mocked me from thier aerial retreat.

Unknown Australian Wildflower

I do not know what this little charmer is called - am still looking for a wildflower field guide to Australia.

Ive been having trouble with my vision for awhile now, and blurry photos have become common. I dont know they are blurry till I get them up on my screen in full size mode, very frustrating! Ive tried compensating by using the auto-focus feature, but so far, not much joy there either. Will keep trying to find a work-around that works for me.

Yes, I have been to the doctor for this. It is a complex problem that there is nothing they can do for. Fairly typical of me, if I do say myself. I seem to be prone to being difficult. I will have to bring you up to date on the situation with my hands soon too...perhaps next time?

Somewhere in the Blue Mountains

I do not remember exactly where this was taken - but we did a little rock climbing and sat and enjoyed the view a while.

Im still not up to regular blogging, but do feel the urge more often. Lets see how it goes, Ciao for now!

More Kooky Stuff

Hey BetteJo, he is 15-16 inches long (40cm).
What a weapon the beak is!

No laughing matter

We had a quick tour of the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park the other day. The weather was awful, but still we could not resist setting down to make a cup of coffee from our on-board facilities. We found a nice spot at Bobbin Head, and immediately we spotted a potential new friend.

While The Most DH got the water boiling, I introduced myself to this Laughing Kookaburra. He was in no mood for laughter as he was cold and wet, and certain that there would be no warm lizard for his lunch.

He was rather hoping we were planning on sizzling some sausages, and was a bit disgruntled to learn that there was nothing of the sort with us this trip. But still he did allow me to take plenty of photos, nice Chap!

Young Xanthorrhoeas in bloom

Lucky me! Usually when we see grass trees (Xanthorrhoea) we are speeding by, and cant stop for a shot, But on this day, I got to take my time with this nice specimen.




This last shot shows that the plant deploys its blossom in a sort of spiral, one row is open now, and indeed, there were a few bees working them despite it being a very cold and grey day. But you can also see a second spiral of flowers still in bud. Now thats one smart plant to spread its resources out over a period of time, as opposed to all at once. After all, what if you bloomed when there were no pollinators out and about? You'd be stuffed, Mate!

(I need my eyes examined again, I could swear this was a crisp shot when I took it. Harumph!)

These next shots I took in Perth, 2005. First, a mature specimen shows you why they are called 'grass tree'.



And here is a cross section of ones trunk, it had been blown off in a storm.



We had one of these once, in a pot. It lived very happily, untill we bought the house and sunk it into the garden. Was dead in a week! LOL

Misc. Mysteries

Sculpted by the Sea and her Winds, Snapper Point

At the end of the road...

Lunch, and a show

After picking up and attaching the new roof cage, we set off for a leisurely tour back toward home. Nothing of any real interest happened untill we arrived in Lake Macquarie, at about lunchtime. We found the main street and set about observing which eateries the locals were visiting; which by the way, is my #1 travel tip. If the locals arent eating/drinking there, then give it a miss.

The winner for lunch was the Parkview Takeaway, the crumbed snapper was divine! (Here follows the obligatory meal shot, a first for this blog.)



We scouted about for a place near the lake where we could set down and enjoy the view with our steaming comestibles. The weather was gorgeously clear, but terribly cold, so we opted to stay in the car.

Which turned out to be a very good decision.



More next time, Ciao!

Sticky Beak, by any name

The Eastern Spinebill, enjoying our ever popular Grevilliea Scarlet Sprite. Apparently this is THE nectar to get through the winter on. I have more shots which better illustrate this incredibly handsome fella, but I couldnt resist sharing these more candid shots with you.

More info: Eastern Spinebill at Birds in Backyards
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I frequently call the Spinebill a Nuthatch. This is a throwback to my days in my Country of Origin. Similarly, there are still times I find myself walking to the wrong side of the car. (Either to the drivers side when I am a passenger, or to the passengers side when I am driving).

Noisy Frozen Flight

(((Nom, nom, nom.)))

What the...pesky human! Hey, stop that!!!

Oh! I am so outta here!

Once again wishing you could see these full size and without compression. Ah well, the download would be prohibitive - Im sure your imaginations can fill in any missing details.

Im still sicky and icky, so thats all for today - Stay well!

White Plumed Honeyeater

As promised, a shot of the White Plumed Honeyeater, now to sift through the shots of the Spinebill and see if I got any good ones of him....well, maybe not right now, but soon. Promise!

White Plumed Honeyeater at Birds in Backyards

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Sweating, staring. Seeing the GP tommorrow. Dont know if I should stick with this med or jump ship. Feels totally queer to be me on this stuff.

Clowns and Incapacitation

Here we have a Noisy Miner, reluctantly posing for the camera this last April. I call these guys clowns, because they do remind me of clowns. Im not especially fond of clowns. But if the funny nose fits, one must wear it.

For more information try this link: Noisy Miner at Birds in Backyards

_________________

Iam incapacitated, nearly totally, by my depression. It is so NOT voluntary. I am convinced this is more than depression, and will bring that up when I see the doctor monday morning. Will try to blog again tommorrow, but if not, dont worry. The second surgery for the breast lump is this Wednesday, so it all just may get too much - but I will keep trying to fight. Be good to yourselves!

Little Wattle VS Noisy Minor

Who will win? Whoever gets the nectar first!

This knife wattle (Acacia Cultriformis) has proved very popular as a perch for birds resting between drinks at the spiny greville (Grevillea 'Scarlet Sprite').

Not just a perch, but also a battlefield for possession of this valuable food resource.

The Little Wattle Birds have to work so hard defending the two of these I have. Since they are so popular, I have found room for a couple more around the back.

In addition to the Noisy Minors, the Common Indian Myna has learned how to partake of this shrubs nectar, and in the last month or so we have had other pirate types too. I will work on some shots for you of the Eastern Spinebill and the White Plumed Honeyeater. I could use some wings of my own to keep up with them.

Last Roses with First Narcissus

One day last week, it stopped raining long enough that I could tackle a couple of garden jobs. One was to cut back a couple long and unruly canes from a few roses. Not time to prune the roses yet, but I needed my path back before August. From the ends of these ruffian branches I collected a nice lot of rosebuds - some shown here. (Mr. Lincoln and Bettina.)

You might also notice that there are Narcissus blossoms on the left. Very early! It wasnt even winter yet. (I think today is the first day of winter.)

When I see things blooming out of order, I wonder how much is due to climate change, and how much to the micro-climate in our gardens.

Either way - flowers at the kitchen sink make doing dishes alot nicer.