Transformations

This cheerful fellow spent an hour with me last April.  He would take the sunflower heads from my hand and crunch through each sweet seed - the whole while being a complete charmer and perfectly happy to let me snap away with the lens at times just inches from his beak.  I rate this experience as a prime encounter.

So many changes since I was able to emerge from my shell of grief, and so little time - such a common problem - but the blog and other interests are not getting much of a look in lately, but I believe everything is in a cycle, and it will out work out in time. Even while I keenly feel that the time left to me is shorter than ever.  But thats true for us all.

Lately when I go to the aviary to visit who is left of my flock, (a long sad story in itself), the Wind speaks to me.  I can not make out what Wind is trying to tell me - yet. But I must be patient with myself, I am only just re-connecting with my truer self, and, like any language, if you dont use it, you loose it.

Could it have something to do with Raven?  Raven has become my companion alongside Cat.  Frog is also with me in a big way.  Yes, I am aware that to some I will sound like Ive gone The Full Fruit-Loop.  But others will recognize that Metaphyical Mystic Me has been here the whole time.

So, Ive been transforming, in a big way.  Ive even returned to paid work outside the home, AND am undertaking study via an online university - so time will be short for at least the next year.  But its an investment in a brighter future than I could not have forseen from where I stood in late December 2010.  We have to make the most of what is given to us, and damn it, Im having that, all that. And The Most DH and I will still have things to enjoy, even if they aren't what everyone else is given.  LOL!  We were never big on conformity anyway.

Non-verbal goings on

Visitors

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.

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!

Shadows of myself, and Little Wattle Birds

Yesterday I started a new med, and its so sedating that I am too confused to talk further today. Lets see if tomorrow I will be clearer...yeah, that sounds like a plan. Ciao for now!

Look Ma, one hand!

The pain isnt too bad and Im feeling otherwise well. Most likely there will be more tommorrow - But I snagged this shot this morning! Awkward as, but how to resist trying? A Little wattle bird against my fave acacia (cultriformis). Ciao! Ciao for now!

Kick it to me!!!

The last of the seagull shots, for this location anyhow.
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Im just going to ramble it off and push the publish button - if I try to 'compose' I will just be here all night:

In regards to my mental health, its been definately different. Had a dose adjustment last friday (up a bit) and if this week is anything to go by, it could go up just a smidge more. Seeing the GP for a follow up on this friday. Now, at last, they have approved me to see a psychiatrist, (as opposed to a psychologist). His first available appointment is in September, HA!! HA!!

But on the bright side, well, fingers crossed...through a series of events I managed to get myself on another surgeons list (same one that did my breast lump) for the carpal tunnel/wrist surgery, and Lo and Behold, if it isnt postponed again, I will have my right hand done on August 18th - Woo F-ing Hoo!

After that I can go on the list for my left, which is very nearly as bad as the right - but they insist on doing your dominant hand first. The Most DH has arranged to take that whole first week off, and I have been saving bread bags to waterproof my paw when I want to shower. I tell you all this because I know how much you want more excruciating details.

So Ive been practicing doing things southpaw style, to reduce frustration later. Also, many things have to be done around here before the surgery, so if Im missing in action here, Im probably pruning roses; or if around the 18th, I may be enjoying playing the invalid - for so long as I can get away with it.

Seagull Vogue - Strike a Pose

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!

Now I cant hover, either.

Exotic nectar: free for the taking, if you have the right equipment and know-how. More info on the plant in my next installment.
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Lets face it, this new antidepressant is a dud. Not only does it render me damn near useless, but Im still having dark thoughts AND now I find Ive gained 2 kilos! (4.5 pounds) Now I wish Id shared how well Id been doing with my weight loss goal, cause you might not think that 2 kilos is enough to worry about. Just take my word for it - weight gain is NOT acceptable. I do not need another reason to be depressed. LOLb

On the Singing Perch

Sporting his best and struting his stuff, this Fellow spends a good part of each day on this branch of our Knife Wattle (Acacia Cultriformis). With all the singing he does, I wonder if he is claiming possession of the area. 'Tis his for only so long as the Little Wattle Birds are not around.

Or perhaps he is looking for love. Spring is not too far off, and indeed, today the weather is very spring like. Enjoy it while it lasts!
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My head cold is clearing, hooray! There is a slight increase in the number of things I can manage to do each day. But only slight. Im afraid the new antidepressant really is making sitting and staring - and eating! - about the only priorities in my life. Not cool! But will stay on the 30 day trial, only 13 days remain.

Each day I feed cats/birds/husband, keep fire burning for warmth, do dishes and a minimum of one housework item (only to avoid guilt), and if its been a really good day - I blog.*

Thats not me, and although Iam trying to keep an open mind about the new med, I just dont see how being on it for two more weeks is going to make it magically right for me....heres hoping I get proved wrong...

...and that I will be able to accomplish all that I am meant to do tommorrow. Probably wont blog tommorrow - unless Im not somewhere Im supposed to be!

* I should add, that I also look at my to-do list, and have frequent. brief conversations with myself about how I should or could do such and such. But somehow, I can not manage to get up, or if I have gotten up, cant seem to stay focused on the task till its done. ITS SO WIERD!

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

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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.

Little Wattle Bird gives us a look in

Literally! Lucky I had the camera in my hand. I had been trying to shoot other birds from the kitchen window, when I wandered into the lounge room and saw this familiar face looking in at me!


He is perched in the Calistemon, or Bottle Brush tree that hosted a swarm of bees (for two days) a while back. Also the very same tree that my Stanhopea Occulata and Encyclia Cochleata reside in.



I said "QUOCK!" and he looked straight at me and opened his beak as if to reply. But alas, the moment was lost when suddenly Priapus could take no more. The furred one launched himself upward, and abruptly made bone crunching contact with the glass.



The bird had naturally flown off. I shook my head at the crumpled mass on the floor. The blighter was already putting on a show to say "I meant that to happen.".

Nearby, Aurora flexed the claws of one paw out into the air, saying "Oh, we believe you." Then after a quick backstretch added, "Thousands wouldnt!"

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Im going to try to blog everyday. I have made some great strides with my giant backlog of photos, and so have lots I can use here. So fingers crossed the routine of blogging will be good for my brain.

Also, I am trying to get out of the house for a half hour during the brightest part of the day - hey, they sun has actually been out for two days running - makes a change.

MISC(ellaneous) Grill Monday

Its been grey and rainy ALOT lately. Add to that: the Solstice is near. Could it be the weather and the season have a role in my deepening mood? Its not outside the Realm of Possibilty.



I think this is the last orchid currently in flower...it might be BL Westfieldensis (P.L. Flava x BU Glauca 'Super'). Well, thats what the tag it had when we bought it said. Im not convinced though.



Ive named these two spotted turtle doves Heckle and Jeckle. One of these days, Bonne Chance will have had his fill of their teasing him. Mark my words! Crummy photo here as the day is so terribly grey, and the screened window Im shooting through is unforgiving with the low light outside - such is life.




What-o! Persephone is taking a rather large liberty with Bonne Chance and his lunch, dont you think? She in fact pushed him right out of the dish! I suspect she will have to repay him one day.