It has been raining for days, including thunder storms.
This is unusual for Autumn, where I always enjoy the crisp clear blue skies and sharp cool air...
Happily, there was a break in the drizzle late today and I was able to go walking along my favourite path. There was little sunshine, and it was dark as I returned home just before 5pm.
I am always happy to see this chain of mountains, the ones I knew growing up in a town about 130 km in the distance..
My brothers used to climb that big peak in the middle.
I saw this mixed group of local birds, unusually meeting together to eat the seed somebody has left in a feeder along their fence.
Left to Right: Pidgeon 1, Cockatoo, Lorikeet, Pidgeon 2, and two Apostle birds.
I have been trying to get a good picture of Apostle birds as they frequent our garden.
This one is sitting on our back fence.
We have never lived near them before, and they are entertaining.
They live communally, in groups of up to 12, hence the name Apostle.
They roost together, fly together, and sometimes arrive on our lawn to eat together. I have also seen them in a group on the road, picking at whatever is there, which is a dangerous practice.
Recently, on my walk I met a group on the roadside, and just managed this shot before they flew up into a tree to safety:
They are dull brownish colour and have a large tail which fans out although you can't see that in this picture. Their cutest habit is roosting in a row, side by side pressed together. One day a group of babies did this on our pool fence while the adults foraged. Unfortunately as soon as I tried to take a picture they flew off...
The Cottage Garden is playing Autumn with some orange tones..
This Crucifix Orchid survived the house move, and is growing well in its new corner.
Pansies are always welcome..
As I continue to tweak our new home to make it feel our own, I have found some corners just too dull for a living plant.
Last week I bought this 6 ft. tall fake Rubber Tree plant at K Mart.
It fills a spot nicely, and there might be a few more arriving in the future...
I have installed a modern Chandelier in the entry, bought with the proceeds of the sale of our pair of large traditional chandeliers from our previous heritage style home. I do enjoy a bit of sparkle and it is lovely at night.
All the other light fittings in our new, more modern house, are downlights set into the ceiling. It has taken me a while to adjust, as our previous homes have always featured beautiful pendant lights of various styles over the years.
When we moved in I felt the house was lacking its 'jewellery'....
Mr C gave me a new African violet for Mothers Day.
I had one just like this, but it did not survive the move.
The psychological effect of the house move surprised me. It is our fourth marital home in over 50 years, but this time I was more powerfully impacted by it all.
There are no problems when you are made of wood....
In the near future we are again visiting our daughter in Canada. It is possible I may seek to bring another duck home with me to share the attention...
This duck really does startle and amuse visitors.
Thank you for visiting my new blog.
I would love you to become a Follower.
Best Wishes from
Camellia Cottage
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Too much rain here in Brisbane for Autumn. Glad to have sunshine today.
ReplyDeleteYes, so weird for Autumn. Sunshine is really nice, not so sure about the Westerly Winds that have sprung up here!
DeleteWhich chain of mountains are they? They look very impressive!
ReplyDeleteIt is the MacPherson range on the border of Qld and NSW. The peaks I recognise are Mt Lindsay, Mt Barney, Flinders Peak and to the right is Cunningham's Gap. Thanks for popping by, Hels.
DeleteOh Trish, that sounds unlike autumn in your area. I hope it cheers up for you soon. I love all your plants and the new details in your home. I've become quite a fan of fabric plants. They are often very pretty and the fact they don't need watering is a real plus when you go away as much as we do. I like your 'rubber' plant very much! Loving the new blog too!
ReplyDeleteHello Val, the rain has gone away, and the Winter Winds prevail. I do enjoy getting out some chic Winter coats for a few weeks. The new rubber tree is going well, and not at all demanding, lol. Glad you found me and the new blog. Happy Sunday.
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ReplyDeleteSo much rain is unusual for you, I think. I hope the clear skies soon return. Your decoy duck is very cute, as are the Apostle birds.
ReplyDeleteYour hall chandelier is lovely - a bit of sparkle is always nice, just like accessories for wardrobes!
Yes, clear skies have returned and Winter has officially set in. We love having that decoy duck in the pool, and enjoy that it startles visitors at times. I am happy our cottage now has a sparkly accessory. One chandelier is just perfect.
DeleteYou have high hopes for that rubber tree plant! I know you are singing that song now! I love the Apostle birds. Love the decoy duck, wish I could be in that pretty water with it!
ReplyDeleteHa, High apple pie in the sky hopes, Kay ;) . We always seem to find ourselves birds wherever we live. I am trying to record our Butcher birds but they are elusive and it may take time. Decoy Duck sends his regards.
DeleteHello beautiful Trish! I"m so glad you got a break in the rain to get out for a walk. I hope you're staying nice and cozy in your Autumn season. Your flowers are looking just lovely!! I'm just finally planting my pots as it's starting to really feel like summer for the northwoods. That new chandelier is gorgeous! And your African violet so pretty too. I hope you're feeling more and more at home with your new space with each day. Love that you have a Canada duck in your pool! Lol I agree you should bring him back a friend. 😂 Blessings on your week ahead. xo
ReplyDeleteHello beautiful Carrie. Rain is gone and Winter arrived right on cue on June 1st. We are cosy warm, and changed over to flannel sheets on our bed. We can synchronize our flower pots at this time of year. Our pansies are going well, and daffodil bulbs just went in. I am feeling more at home now (it took a long time!). Fingers crossed for another duck to join us soon. Blessings xxx
DeleteYour local birds are delightful, Patricia, especially that Cockatoo. The Apostle birds are special, and it's wonderful they gather in groups of 12. I've never seen them before, so I'm glad you introduced them to me. How neat that your brothers used to climb that mountain the distance. We had rain all last week too! California rejoices when it rains. Your chandelier is sparkly and pretty, and adds a nice touch to the home. It's difficult to get used to each move that we make, and I hope you start to feel comfortable where you settled. Sometimes little things like putting our favorite items out around the house and getting to know our neighbors makes all the difference.
ReplyDeleteHappy June Patricia!
Happy June, Sheri. The birds here are certainly entertaining, and I did not know Apostle birds either until recently. I hope I can catch a photo of them sitting close in a row one day. It is true, the house only feels like a home when you add your own personality. I am still putting up pictures on the blank walls!
DeleteOh, Trish, your new home is coming together nicely. I love the wooden duck! The birds are a delight! I have never seen Apostles here. In May I thought of you because for a few days, a red cardinal visited my mother’s backyard. Soon after I started seeing a blue jay, and then no longer the red cardinal. I’m told that blue jays tend to chase other birds away, and I wonder if this has happened. African Violets are pretty potted plants. I had one for years, then it simply died.
ReplyDeleteWell, I really like your new home and the outdoor views!
Hello Patrica, I have been a silent reader for a long time. I live in NZ but we did live in Sydney for over 30 years. The bird life here, is not as colourful, but their antics are the same. Wishing you well in your new home and enjoy all your hobbies. Colleen Hicking.
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