Wednesday 15 April 2020

Feeling Blessed

When so many are suffering from this heartless virus, I am so very grateful for the love of my family, neighbours, friends and my good health. Grateful for where I live and the beauty that greets me each day. I am so very thankful for those in the community working tirelessly to stop the spread. My heart breaks for those suffering the disease or through the losss of a loved one.

I hope the joy I am finding in our beautiful Autumn weather and amazing nature will also lift your spirits.

For several weeks now, joy has been found in this colourful corner of my garden.


I found joy in the birth of many, many stick insects. They were so tiny but soooo active. Here are but a few.

This pond always takes my breath away on my daily walk.

The golden glow of the Aussie bush brings a smile to my face.

As does the crystal clear outline of the new moon.

And birds in flight.

I found joy watching the chilly, autumn mists arriving on the pond.

And in the late afternoon, spying a lone pelican gliding across its still surface.

And on another afternoon, he is joined by a mate.

Joining the Hungry Hikers on our now weekly 'Zoom' hike, each in our local area, most certainly lifts my spirits.

And how could I not be elated by this glorious sunrise, when I opened my door to set forth on another early morning walk.




A little later, cloud reflections were admired on the still, Albert River.

Yes, another sunrise, this time over Noyer Park on a misty morning.


And the elation for the morning continued throughout the 8km walk.


Joy, joy, joy!

The Gaiter Girls decided to trial 'Zoom' walks. Such a marvellous way to make contact, whilst doing what we all love, whilst social distancing.

The sky as I started walking.




This local walk took us though acreage estates. Porky Pig didn't stop eating to say hello, even though his mate did.

Following the wonderful rain earlier this year, the flowering gums are looking magnificent, especially against our blue, autumn skies.


Perfect reflections on another section of the Albert River.

Unfortuanately for some, there was a little police drama for several hours, in the vicinity of our home. 

Sad that the cause for my having time on my hands, is this dreadful virus but I'm enjoying the challenge of this incredibly puzzling 'world jigsaw'. Each piece has several images of a specific area. A magnifing glass is definitely required.

There was fun and laughter when joining a birthday party with 'Zoom'. We even played 'Pass the Parcel'.

There's been time for fun and creativity through 'Bin Isolation Outing', the new Aussie craze to lift everyone's spirits. You too can follow on Facebook and join the thousands around the world laughing at our antics. This week Laurel [neighbour] and I were the ghost and witch.


Another craze is to place a bear or soft toy in one's window or garden.

I didn't have a soft toy, but with time and materials on my hands, I have created Scotty, a brother to Stanley, who watches over my courtyard. Scotty now amuses all who pass with his message changing regularly.

And even if nature hadn't lifted my spirts enough, she then put on a grand performance on the eve of the Super Pink, Full Moon.  





Alas, the night of the full moon the sky was totally cloud filled! 

I am glad that the measures put into effect by our Government are having the desired affect. My heartfelt wish is that other countries will see a dramatic turn around in deaths and confirmed cases.



I would love to read your comment.

20 comments:

  1. I'm glad you are keeping busy and staying safe! Love the garbage can outings! Nice pics of the sunrises, pelicans and moon. I can't wait for this quarantine to be over.

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    1. Thanks Linda. I think we are going to have to be very patient for quite some time.

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  2. A wonderful post that certainly gave me a lift. It's good that you live where you do--- and that you are willing to get up early. I tend to stay up late these days and get up early only once a week to shop for necessities when the store has a special "senior" hour--- 6am. I'm afraid it's going to be a very long time. Laura and I are not going to feel very safe until there is a proven vaccine-- and we've reveived it. Stay safe Helen. Hugs from the other side of the world.

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    1. Happy to bring a smile to your face Bill. Sending hugs and best wishes back to you and Laura.

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  3. I agree with you: We are both fortunate to have so many blessings when so many are struggling. Your nature photos were as beautiful as always. I'm envious of your moon photos. I can't seem to take those. The sunrise photo was another favorite. Even though we've been connecting for awhile now, it is so strange to me that you are talking about fall when we are in the midst of spring. However, the next couple of days may include a brief return to winter. Mother Nature can't seem to make up her mind. Take care and keep finding the beauty!

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    1. The 'fall' we are experiencing is nothing like yours or my ecstatic experience on PEI, in October. I've spotted one tree with leaves turning. An icy blasthas arrived from the south so it seems winter has arrived, far too early!

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  4. I forgot: The U.S. has had a couple of similar movements during the pandemic. People who live in more populated areas than me are putting stuffed bears in their windows or putting hearts in the window. There has been a lot of creativity. That's not a bandwagon I've jumped on. Our house is too far from the road for anyone to see, and we get very little traffic anyway. But it's been fun to see what others have done via Facebook.

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  5. Thank you, dear Helen, for these wonderful views and photos. Both your nature photos and the fun activities really cheer us up.
    My favourite photo is the number 19. I have spent for some time now trying to feel how the air and plants smell on an early morning and what kind of sounds there are. :)
    Stay safe and well! Big hugs!

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    1. Hugs back to you Sara. The bird song is glorious in the early morning but their joyous notes, thrill one throughout the day.

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  6. Wow you are managing to stay very happy in your little bubble.

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    1. My list of 'catch ups' is quite long and enjoyable.

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  7. Loving all your photos and your positivity, given me a real lift and put a smile on my face this morning!. One of the ways I'm staying sane in these difficult times is reading my collection of blogs and knowing that my virtual friends are safe and finding ways tio enjoy the outdoors. All the best.

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    1. Thanks Andy. I agree it is lovely to have the time to revisit old photos, diaries and scrapebooks.
      Ha, ha, scrapebooks being the blog of the 70's. I've just thought of another task. Somehow saving them to media.

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  8. Love the idea of the zoom walks!

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  9. Looks like you are handling this situation well, Helen. Unfortunately, my visit to Australia this year has now been cancelled.

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    1. So many cancellations for so many David but so necessary for our long term health. Keep on enjoying and sharing your local wonderful birds and hopefully Oz will see you in 2021.

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    1. Thank you. I hope your arm soon recovers to allow you to share the wondrous beauty of where you live again.

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  11. Your beautiful landscape is uplifting.I like your bin outing costumes and also Stanley! You've been busy and still getting your exercise. Stay safe, Helen.

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