Life Images by Jill

give, love, inspire............

2012-01-28T22:24:00.001+08:00

Give - love - inspire With loving thanks to my dear friends for their love, and support. Where would we be without our friends. They support us, give to us freely of their love and time, and inspire and encourage us to greater things. I have just started learning about textures - One of Kim's textures which I have used on this image is called "empty page" - fitting I think because doesn't

fly away to another sunset...........

2012-01-27T22:57:00.003+08:00

Ever felt like you just want to fly away and touch a new sunset on a new horizon in another world? to escape? This is a bit like how I am feeling at the moment - it has been an emotional week as we work through my mother's health issues, as well as being a support for my dad. It has been, and still is, a difficult time as we work through our emotions and the needs and wishes of my mother and

Mother love

2012-01-12T23:31:00.000+08:00

My dear mother is sick in hospital at the moment, and I am not sure what the future holds for her......so I send her this rose with love....... And my heart to my father and embrace them with my love during the days ahead for them both...... I am linking up to Texture Tuesday at Kim's Cafe. I have just started doing a couple of texture and layers classes with Kim at Kim's Cafe - please go to

Walpole Wilderness, Western Australia

2012-01-06T07:30:00.002+08:00

Here are a few random paragraphs from my latest published article - "Dandy Walpole" - January edition of On the Road magazine, available in Australia. Towering red tingle and karri forests, wildflowers, rivers and inlets, and the Southern Ocean’s kilometres of picturesque coastal scenery, rugged headlands, rock pools and secluded beaches. It is no wonder that tourists are drawn to this land

My first texture class

2012-01-03T21:01:00.004+08:00

Well I have finally done it - I have taken the plunge and started a new artist direction. With a huge thank you to Kim Klassen from Kim Klassen Cafe - I just completed my first lesson of my "Art of Texture e-course". Below is the result - it is a hydrangea from my garden. What do you think? I have wanted to learn about textures for so long - having seen the work of Kim and also other artists

and so a new year begins

2012-01-01T08:37:00.007+08:00

One year ends and another begins, and the circle of life begins anew. A time to reflect on the past year - both the joys and the sorrows, and a time to plan and look forward to the new year and the promises it holds for those who dare to dream. As I look back over the past year, our aging parents have dominated our year (offset by the joys of our two grandsons), but we still managed to make

Wishing you all a Happy Christmas!

2011-12-24T22:06:00.002+08:00

Wishing all my blog-land friends from across the world a wonderful Christmas in the company of those you love. Thank you for your support and comments during the past year - it has been wonderful hearing from you. For my fellow photography bloggers - I have learnt so much from all of you - and it has been wonderful seeing your part of the world through your cameras. Thank you. Food photography

Sri Lanka cooking show - SBS Australia

2011-12-23T17:23:00.001+08:00

I love this cooking show - so interesting - and the recipes always look so devine! I just had to post the link - mysrilanka Look for it on your TV program - not just a cooking show but a very interesting cultural tour around Sri Lanka as well! I really want to try this recipe that was on last night - Lagoon Prawns with ladies finger sambol - Lagoon Prawns - it looks like a delicious summer

Her beauty only lasts one night...........

2011-12-16T21:56:00.001+08:00

On Monday night my Moon Flower bloomed - 4 beautiful blooms. They really are magnificent - and the perfume - intoxicating. Unfortunately they only flower for one night and by the morning they are finished. My plant only seems to flower a few times a year, and so I need to take the opportunity to photograph it. So I stood out in the rain with an umbrella sheltering me and my camera (

Slow down and take time to see what is around you

2011-12-13T22:55:00.004+08:00

In these busy days as we rush around getting ready for Christmas, working, cleaning, baking, shopping, ticking off lists, writing cards etc, we need to slow down, sit awhile, and take time to see the beauty around us, the little things, and to think about and appreciate those things in your life that are important to you. I hope these images will sooth and calm you.............as you listen to

The trees are blooming for Christmas

2011-12-12T08:45:00.002+08:00

In December around where I live in Western Australia there is a burst of colour before the summer heat dries off everything. Some of our native trees put on a glorious show for us, as you can see here. This is the Australian Christmas Tree - Nuytis floribunda. It actually is a parasitic tree and occurs naturally only in Western Australia from the Murchison around to the Australian Bight. Their

December summer colour

2011-12-05T10:55:00.009+08:00

December is here and the start of summer. My garden is looking lovely - we have just started watering again, so it might be the extra nutrients coming from the bore water. Today I share with you an update from around my garden. A few tomatoes are starting to ripen, the grapes are starting to plump up - not ready till January/February, the apricots are green - a few more weeks yet, and lemons -

May you have a light to guide you........

2011-11-28T09:43:00.003+08:00

Do you sometimes feel like you are swirling into the void - that your life is not your own - that you are been pulled and pushed by an invisible thread - that the needs of others have taken over your life - that you are swirling into the void and you cannot see the light? Take time out and embrace life. Be good to yourself. Life is too short and every moment is precious - both the good and

I wish you enough

2011-11-23T21:35:00.011+08:00

Someone sent this to me today and I thought it was beautiful, so I wanted to share it with you.......... I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright no matter how grey the day may appear. I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun even more. I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive and everlasting. I wish you enough pain so that even the smallest of joys in life may appear

Poppy Seed cake

2011-11-21T09:50:00.000+08:00

Spring is coming to a close and summer is around the corner - and the aroma and taste of fresh poppyseed cake is delicious! First the mixing and baking.......stir in the poppyseeds......... And then the serving on a delicate tea set from my childhood. When I walked into the garden this morning, all I could smell was the intoxicating scent of the honeysuckle vine on my patio..........what a

Remembrance Day

2011-11-11T11:00:00.001+08:00

Today on the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month, we have 2 minutes silence to remember those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. This is the State War Memorial in Kings Park, overlooking the city of Perth and the Swan River. It really has a beautiful outlook over the city. This is where they hold the Perth Dawn Service on Anzac Day - the sun comes up behind the memorial. I

Flowering kangaroo paws

2011-11-07T10:14:00.004+08:00

On Sunday we visited Kings Park in our capital city, Perth.Kings Park is a beautiful park of natural bushland, cultivated gardens, walking paths, playgrounds, waterways, wildflower displays and war memorials. It overlooks Perth city and the Swan River. We have missed the main wildflower display this year, but there were still a number of kangaroo paws flowering. And I would like to share a

sharing a special post - Every Time I Fall Back

2011-11-07T10:01:00.002+08:00

I just wanted to share with you this very beautiful post from Markus - one of my on-line blog contacts - Tea Cup In the Garden - click on the link to go to "Every Time I Fall Back" - Teacup in the Garden You will probably need to click on the translate button to read Markus' beautiful poem. Then take a little time to scroll through his posts about the beautiful country home they are restoring.

Rain rain go away

2011-11-07T10:00:00.000+08:00

It is pouring with rain here at the moment - it is November! - the sun is supposed to be shining! Unfortunately the farmers in our "wheat belt" have lost many thousands of dollars of crops through the unseasonal rain (including my brother-in-law and nephews in Bruce Rock). The rain is ruining their drying crops. I send my thoughts to them. This crop below - which we saw in early October

On the Road in the Kimberley

2011-11-02T22:17:00.002+08:00

I am very excited to tell you that I have just had three articles published in the Australian travel magazine - On The Road - November edition - Kimberley Essentials. You can read these in full in the magazine, but below is the beginning paragraphs. "Naturally Outstanding" - my article about Purnululu National Park. Cathedral Gorge is well named. Entering its immense towering cavern is like

Spring jam making

2011-10-31T11:43:00.003+08:00

The warm spring weather with us, with some bursts of summer heat. We went away for the weekend, and I am sure bunches of tiny new grapes appeared over the weekend on our grape vine - promising of a good harvest for this summer's grape jam making. A couple of weeks ago with lemons from our tree I made French marmalade (carrots, lemons & sugar) - not as bitter as some marmalades can be), and Lemon

Where I'm From

2011-10-24T08:39:00.009+08:00

I belong to a writing group called South Side Quills. I wrote this for our latest assignment....... I’m from Jackson and ClaydenFrom Bilbarin, Corrigin, Moorumbine & South CummininThe big kitchen tableAnd the long back yard of my grandmothersThe outhouse under the weeping trees in the darkSinging with my sister on the wooden benchAnd the gravel footpath Í’m from Tranby and Belmont And the

Hopetoun & the Fitzgerald River National Park, Western Australia

2011-10-16T22:55:00.002+08:00

We recently took a camping trip to Hopetoun located on our south coast, east of Esperance and 50km south of Ravensthorpe where Western Australia meets the Southern Ocean. The main attraction for tourists to Hopetoun is the pristine coastline, easily accessible unspoilt beaches, walk trails and drives, beachside camping, and the magnificent Fitzgerald National Park and Eyre Ranges which borders

Sunset on Steve Jobs

2011-10-11T23:10:00.001+08:00

A quote from Steve Jobs from Apple Inc Co-Founder, a visionary and creative genius who died from pancreatic cancer on Wednesday 5 October at the age of 56..... “And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.” I took this photo walking down to the beach late afternoon at Hopetoun on

In search of wild orchids

2011-09-26T11:41:00.002+08:00

In the south west of Western Australia there are around 400 species of terrestrial native orchid species - out of the around 800 species found in Australia - found in a diverse range of habitats. Every year in spring we go bushwalking in Manea Park in the southern Bunbury suburb of College Grove. It is Bunbury’s premier bush reserve and home to several threatened species of flora and fauna

Light the Night

2011-09-22T23:26:00.002+08:00

On Wednesday we joined my son, daughter-in-law, and grandsons as part of Jen's team for Light the Night in Bunbury, which is an initive of the The Leukaemia Foundation to raise awareness of Leukaemia and raise funds for the wonderful work they do supporting families. We went along to support Jen and to remember Jen's mother, Dora, who died on 26 February 2008, suddenly and unexpectedly from acute

Where the wild orchids grow

2011-09-19T09:24:00.005+08:00

We have a small patch of bush near our home that separates the houses from the main road. I have written about it here before - Wildflowers are starting to bloom Every year the wild orchids and other wildflowers put on their spring display and I go there to photograph them. Sadly every year I see more invasive weeds taking over, but the delicate wild orchids still manage to push up through the

Cathedral Avenue, Australind

2011-09-16T21:10:00.001+08:00

On Wednesday morning I went out to Cathedral Avenue which runs along the Leschenault Inlet at Australind, about five minutes from my home. The paper-bark trees form a natural arch over the roadway, which has now has a re-routed road around it so that you can just walk along the road along this part. It is such a lovely peaceful place to walk. and a close up of the beautiful bark of the

Foodie Wednesday

2011-09-14T19:33:00.003+08:00

This week my day off from work was Wednesday, and I spent a lot of the day playing around with food photography. It has been my project this year to learn as much as I can about food photography and it has taken over my days off work. I don't know where it is taking me but I am certainly enjoying the journey, meeting up on the net with other foodies and learning a lot as I go, especially about

A ducks watery world

2011-09-08T22:18:00.003+08:00

We have a small swamp area a few streets from us. It is a lovely place to wander and sit quietly on the benches in the shade of the trees. When I saw this duck on Monday I rather envied him swimming in his beautiful watery/reedy home amongst the paperbark trees. Have a wonderful weekend.

Spring is the time for tulips

2011-09-04T23:34:00.009+08:00

Every year at Araluen Botanic Park - a beautiful garden set in 50 acres of shaded valley at Roleystone, south of Perth - they have massed plantings of tulips. We visited today and the gardens were ablaze with beautiful blooms in orange, red, white, yellow, pink........a glorious pallet of colour. Araluen was first established as a youth camp in 1929 by JJ Simons, who brought back plants from his

New apricot blossoms

2011-08-30T21:46:00.000+08:00

1st September is the start of spring in Australia - and last week the first blossoms appeared on our apricot tree - with the promise of new and continuing life. Today 30th August would have been the 60th birthday of my daughter-in-law's mother, Dora. Sadly she died in 2008 and never met two of her four beautiful grandchildren. It still saddens me that Dora is not a part of their lives. I am

Lemon tarts for Mosaic Monday

2011-08-29T14:57:00.006+08:00

This year I have been exploring food photography, and along the way I have been inspired by many wonderful food photographers on the web that I have found through Mosaic Monday and Flickr. I have learnt so much from these photographers. Thank you also to Dario in Sydney for his food photography blog and critiques at - Food Pixels.com So, with thanks to one of my favourite "foodies" - "

Camp amongst the wildflowers

2011-08-24T21:58:00.003+08:00

During spring wildflower lovers and bird watchers travel to Western Australia’s mid west to enjoy the enormous variety of wildflowers and birds. Two easily accessible free overnight camp sites at Camel Soak and John Forrest Lookout located in station country on the north eastern edge of Western Australia’s wheatbelt east of Perenjori allow visitors to enjoy the natural beauty and tranquil scenery

The wildflowers are starting to bloom

2011-08-18T22:34:00.002+08:00

Only about 500 metres from my house is a stretch of bush between the houses and the main road. Every year when spring comes I go there to look for wild orchids to photograph. Sadly foreign weeds and grasses are choking out the natural vegetation and every year I see more and more weeds (you can see them in the top RH photo trying to choke out the beautiful mauve wildflower - the wild violet

Went down to the beach to play one day.................

2011-08-08T11:53:00.003+08:00

I recently found this peom in an old poetry book I found while packing up my mother-in-laws house. The book is called "The Charge of the Light Brigade and other story poems" (Scholastic Book Services, 1969) I really liked the image it created of the little girls playing on the beach and the treasures they found...........and the innocence of childhood and carefree days on the beach. ps - there

Oranges and lemons.......

2011-07-31T21:55:00.003+08:00

It is the time of year for oranges and lemons in my garden. The fruits of winter. Today was a mixed winter day - white clouds scudding across a beautiful blue sky one minute and then grey sky and driving rain the next, but always constant was a a howling wind that blew all day, wrapping my washing around the line, and tearing at my hair as I worked in my garden doing some winter pruning that was

Congratulations Cadel - winner of the 2011 Le Tour de France

2011-07-25T08:58:00.007+08:00

Congratulations Cadel Evans from Australia in winning the 2011 Le Tour de France. As an Aussie I am very proud of his achievement, and so I have created a little mosaic with some pictures I took in 2005 when we were in France at the time of the Tour. (thankyou to www for the pic of Cadel in this mosaic) Cadel, born Katherine in the Northern Territory of Australia, announced in 1991 when he was

The ocean's edge

2011-07-22T22:10:00.010+08:00

Last weekend we plucked a few days from our too busy lives and stayed at a lovely beach side place at Smith's Beach at Yallingup in Western Australia's spectacular Cape to Cape region that stretches between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin. It is an area we have explored many times over the years, but there is always something new and interesting to do and places to go. And is just perfect for

mist in our path

2011-07-14T23:43:00.005+08:00

Life changes and our future is in the mist - we might have a plan, but we don't know how our path will twist and turn, and take side roads we never expected. However, there can still be joy experienced along the way, if only we embrace change and the challenges that are put in front of us. And see beauty through the mist. And a few words that I borrowed from the wonderful blog of one of my

The Bird

2011-07-08T21:15:00.003+08:00

The beautiful Bird of Paradise is flowering at the moment.............such gorgeous colours on a dull winter day.......have a wonderful weekend and a quote for you - Happiness is something that comes into our lives through doors we don't even remember leaving open

Camp amongst the Cajuput trees

2011-07-06T21:20:00.003+08:00

Skull Springs is a free camp site located 108kms east of Nullagine - an old goldmining town on the edge of the Great Sandy Desert, 1186km north of Perth and 110 km south of Marble Bar in Western Australia (known as the hottest place in Australia). There are no facilities, but Skull Springs provides a wonderful place to relax under the Cajuput trees, wander along the river banks, or try some

Gorgeous Grevillea's

2011-07-04T10:27:00.002+08:00

There are many types of Grevillea in Australia - and there always seems to be one or two flowering around my area. I love the way the parts of the flower start all curled up and then slowly open out This one I didn't notice the ant till I downloaded! - see along the lower edge of the pic... And this is a Flame Grevillea from the northern wheatbelt of Western Australia And the Silver Leaf

Life's path

2011-06-29T22:27:00.006+08:00

A lot of changes have been going on in our lives lately, and we were talking today about how we plan the path we would like to take in life, but life doesn't always go to our plan. Sometimes our plan and path changes, and we either fight against the change or adapt to it. We all have challenges that we are given. And I am often reminded of something I read somewhere once - "it is not the

For Jeanie

2011-06-27T20:52:00.000+08:00

My dear mother-in-law is very sick in hospital at the moment, so I send her these flowers with love.

Memories in old things....

2011-06-20T20:20:00.002+08:00

During a project on Fllickr last week, and inspired by fellow photographer Lindyannajones, I went around my house photographing old things. Each of them holds memories from the past - Clockwise from top right - pair of candle holders mounted on my wall, handles of salad servers from my mother-in-law, the basket weave of my grandmother's sewing basket, ribbon spool from old manual Imperial

Last blooms of autumn

2011-06-17T22:26:00.010+08:00

The last blooms of my roses are hanging onto the bushes, and giving me colour in my garden that is bedding down for the winter. Soon the blooms and leaves will fall and it will be time for pruning again, but until then I can enjoy these last rays of autumn sunshine. I hope over the weekend you find time to spend with those you love, and doing what you love to do.and remember......... You will

A walk around Bunbury's history

2011-06-13T07:58:00.010+08:00

I took a walk around Bunbury the other day taking photos of architectural detail for an assignment on Flickr. It really highlighted to me the many different eras of architecture we have in Bunbury. The history of Bunbury and Australind began in 1803 when the first registered sighting was recorded by French Captain Louis Freycinet. The Leschenault Estuary was named after the expedition’s

Close up filter magic

2011-06-06T23:13:00.007+08:00

My dear friends gave me an arrangement of gorgeous gerberas on the weekend, so what could I do but photograph them! ps - want to take a photo like this and don't have a macro lens - don't worry! - I don't have a macro lens either - instead use a close up filter. Taken with my 18-55mm lens with a close up filter, Aperture priority, indoors natural light, hand held. Enjoy and have a wonderful

Cappaccino at the Grand....

2011-05-27T07:28:00.010+08:00

The Cappuccino strip in Bunbury where I live is lined by old buildings and flowering trees. This is the old Grand Central Hotel built in 1900. This glorious old lady now houses speciality shops - boutiques, jewellery, handbags shops etc, and of course a cafe. In the background of the third pic you can see a modern highrise. Old and new blending together.... and a cappuccino and pear and

Corella pears - sweet & crunchy with every bite!

2011-05-23T07:50:00.008+08:00

This is a delicious new pear variety, Corella, (well new to us) that we discovered at the Bunbury Farmers Market recently. I am going back to buy more. It is absolutely delicious, sweet and crisp. And such a gorgeous colour! I just had to take it out and photograph it before we ate them!There are some new varieties of pears principally come from crosses between Corella, Guyot, Rogue Red

Umbrellas of sunshine

2011-05-14T08:50:00.006+08:00

Joanna, a Flickr friend from New Zealand, described this photo of Chrysanthemun as "The Chrysanths look like umbrellas of sunshine" - so I wish you all happy sunshine days over the weekend.Do you ever have a day where the whole day disappears while you "play around" with your camera? On Wednesday I had a day off work, and before I knew it the end of the day had come and my husband was walking in

Food photography in my garden

2011-05-11T15:01:00.010+08:00

I have had a day off work today, and so have been playing around with some food photography. Here are some of the results all taken in natural light - the only additional light being from a silver reflector to throw some additional light into the picture.I have been trying to learn as much as I can about food photography and have been inspired by the work of several food photographers and their

with love on mother's day

2011-05-08T22:40:00.020+08:00

I am sending a special mothers days wish and love to my dear mother, mother-in-law, my sister,And to my daughter-in-law and her sister, who lost their mother a few years ago.And to our dear friend who lost her mother recently.And to all our friends who are mothers.Every precious moment with our families should be treasured, as time and the years slip by so quickly. May the love and joy of family

The Pinnacles, Western Australia

2011-05-03T22:56:00.001+08:00

We have just returned from a camping trip up through the wheatbelt and then down the new Indian Ocean Road from Dongara to Perth. Here are a few photos of the Pinnacles just south of Cervantes. The Pinnacles are located in the Nambung National Park, about 200km from Perth. The limestone spears, several metres tall, were created over millions of years as seashells were broken down into sand and

A prayer for peace

2011-04-25T23:23:00.000+08:00

Anzac Day was 25 April - a time when we remember those that went before us, who gave their lives to give us freedom, and made our country what it is today. And I send a silent prayer out for peace around the world. These words are on the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne. and the eternal flame in Kings Park, Perth

We have this moment sparkling like a star

2011-04-21T22:55:00.001+08:00

Wishing you all the joy of Easter and the love of being with family and friends. In the words of Marie Beyon Ray - Begin doing what you want to do now. We have only this moment, sparkling like a star in our hand - and melting like a snowflake. Here are some beautiful frangipani flowers, which I sent to you all with love.

Memories in a plate

2011-04-18T08:32:00.003+08:00

These beautiful plates were given to me by my Mother-In-Law recently when I was helping her clean out her house in preparation to move to a retirement village. They are exactly the same as a set my Mother has. They were both married in 1951 so I guess it must have been a favoured pattern for newly weds during that time. My Mother's dinner set was always kept for special dinners - and I always

Every new day

2011-04-15T17:32:00.004+08:00

The end of another busy week - so going into the weekend I send you a few words written by Eleanor Roosevelt - With the new day ahead comes new strength and new thoughts. I am fairly sure this is a Swan River Myrtle - a beautiful wildflower which I found in the Crooked Brook Nature Reserve near Dardanup - about half an hour from where I live. It is a wonderful place to go for a walk during

Souffle for breakfast and pizza for lunch?

2011-04-11T09:05:00.005+08:00

My photography lately has met a crossroad and I have decided to learn and experiment this year as much as I can with food photography and food styling. So last Monday, on my day off work (my paying day job that is) I spent the day cooking a couple of simple meals and photographing them in the natural light in my garden. In this mosaic you can see some of the results - cheese and chive souffle

Exploring food photography

2011-04-11T08:51:00.024+08:00

I have decided this year to make my project exploring food photography and food photography. So last Monday, on my day off my paid job.....I spent a lovely day cooking and taking photos of the results. Most of these are in natural light in my garden, as they say the best food photographers use natural light, although I do still favour my light box for some subjects. Digital Photography

The rain has come!

2011-04-07T21:54:00.005+08:00

Finally after 72 days without rain - and drought conditions in our south west corner of Western Australia - during last night we heard rain on the roof! What a sweet sound it was. Throughout the day we had showers, interspersed with sunny skys. It has been a long hot dry summer and the rain has freshened everything. I ran outside with my camera this morning before work and took a few photos of

My summer Agapanthus

2011-04-04T10:10:00.010+08:00

Every summer in early December the buds on my Agapanthus start to open. I look forward to this event as I love to watch the gentle unfolding of the bud and the parts of the flower emerge. The Agapanthus is a native of South Africa (sometimes also known as 'Lily of the Nile' although it is not a Lily). It is common in gardens all over Australia. By Christmas my Agapanthus is in full bloom on

Love and marriage

2011-03-27T14:20:00.006+08:00

My nephew and his beautiful new bride have consented that I can share a few photos of them from their wedding last Saturday. I have put together a few of my favourite photos in this collage to share with you. The wedding was held on the lawns of Kings Park in Perth overlooking the Swan River. What a magnificent backdrop it was. It was a wonderful day, the bride looked stunningly beautiful and

When two people meet and fall in love

2011-03-20T23:04:00.005+08:00

On Friday we spent a wonderful day with family and friends for the occasion of the wedding of my eldest nephew and his beautiful new bride. They had an official photographer, but I was asked to take photos of the groom and grooms-men leading up to the wedding ceremony. I also took my own set of photos at the the wedding (of course!). I put on my big lens and captured some lovely shots of the

You are never fully dressed without a smile...........

2011-03-15T21:45:00.002+08:00

Tonight I am sending these yellow daisies to a dear friend who is going through a difficult time at the moment. I send her my love, thoughts and prayers. And remind her to take time for herself, and to remember her motto - you are never fully dressed without a smile.....

Balingup and Grimwade afternoon

2011-03-13T14:57:00.010+08:00

Last Monday was a public holiday in Western Australia, so our family took the opportunity to spend the day together. We went down to Balingup which is beautifully located amongst rolling hills and valleys about an hour south of where we live, and we had lunch at the Tavern. We had a delicious meal in a relaxed, friendly and welcoming atmosphere. I recommend it for a lovely lunchtime meal. Here is

Sending my prayers across the oceans.......

2011-03-12T12:33:00.004+08:00

The images of the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan I know have sent shock waves around the world. Images of homes and villages being swept away, little children not knowing where their parents are, the look of absolute despair on the faces of the people of Japan, people searching in vain, loss of hope. My prayers and tears of grief go out to them, and also to the victims of the

Market day delights.......

2011-02-28T07:36:00.005+08:00

We have a wonderful farmers market that has grown and grown over the years, and has lots of fresh yummy produce straight from the farmer. As well as fruit and vegetables it has cheeses, Italian cured meats, dips, eggs, dried fruit and nuts, and delicious hot Turkish bread fresh from a local bakery. Then we came home and made a fresh salad rollup for lunch.............. Today's post is

For Dora - our beautiful boys.................

2011-02-25T22:26:00.000+08:00

I see you in the soft breeze and the perfume of the flowers in my gardenI see you in the eyes of our grandsonsI hear you in their laughterAnd I know you are a part of all that is good in them. I cry that you are not here to share in their lives and yet I know you are watching over them from afar.I cry that your daughter is without her mother and that I can never be the mother

Roses for the day of love

2011-02-13T22:10:00.010+08:00

It is Saint Valentines Day, 14 February, and the day that lovers everywhere tell their loved ones what they mean to them. So for my post today I send all those in love a red rose for love. The rose has come from my garden and the Champagne cork is from a bottle of Champagne we drank with friends in Paris - a trip we gave to ourselves to celebrate our wedding anniversary in 2005 - beautiful Paris!

For the love of roses

2011-02-06T21:47:00.005+08:00

Photographing roses is one of my favourite past-times...this is one of the iceberg variety from my garden. It has quite a small flower. I love the way the light comes through the petals in this photo. The rose is the enduring symbol of love and friendship. It is also like the circle of life. It starts as a tiny bud that gradually unfolds, grows, changes, evolves, and then blooms to display

Walking in the Shannon, Western Australia

2011-02-03T22:35:00.005+08:00

There was a rustle in the swampy undergrowth as we approached the wooden hut along the walk trail. Was it a lizard or a quokka disappearing along its runnell? Around the observation shelter there was evidence of the quokka colony – pad runnels and flattened places through the swampy undergrowth, although the interpretive panel informed us that being a night forager, we were unlikely to see the

Niagrara Dam - Goldfields, Western Australia

2011-02-02T22:07:00.000+08:00

If you are looking for a free camp site during a tour of Western Australia’s goldfields, Niagara Dam, located 60 kilometres north east of Menzies via the Kookynie Road, is a great place to stop for a picnic, to camp overnight or for a few days and to observe the abundant birdlife that are attracted to the Dam. We discovered this lovely oasis on our return trip from the Great Central Road and

Moasaic Monday - It's Australia Day - let's celebrate

2011-01-26T11:29:00.011+08:00

My post for Mosaic Monday 31 January at Little Red House takes us back a couple of days to Australia Day....... Australia Day is 26th January - and the day we celebrate our wonderful country, our wide open spaces, the freedom we have, our ancestors that made this country what it is, the importance of Australian mate-ship, our easy-going "she'll be right mate" attitude, and what makes us an

Christmas is forever...........

2011-01-03T23:01:00.000+08:00