A Good News Story!

 Good news No 1 

On Thursday 8 we received a very early flood warning from our local council, for this past week. Torrential flooding rains dropping 250 mls, had been forecast. Thankfully, over four days, we only received 70 wonderul millilitres. I say wonderful, as we had had no rain for 2 months and the bushfire season is approaching. I feel much more relaxed about it now.

Good news No 2.

1 - I had an appointment for my 6 month tachycardia check up on the 19th  August. [tomorrow]

 2 - In the week ending Friday 2nd August, I had been having a few episodes, so decided to try for an earlier appointment as we leave for Canada on the 11 September. I expected just a medication adjustment. 

3 - I rang Monday [5th] and there had been a cancellation at Redlands Heart Centre for Thursday 8th.  😍

4 - Only problem was that I required a halter monitor prior to the appointment. No problem, they said. We can do it here tomorrow. [Tuesday] 😍 

5 - I have been seeing Dr Deen for over 20 years re my tachycardia. He took one look at the monitor results and said this isn't tachycardia, but an irregular heart beat. You require a pacemaker.😟😟 

6- I can do it Tuesday 13th [last week] and you will be good to fly in 4 weeks time! 👏👏👏😍😍😍 

7 - Just an overnight stay. 😍😍 

I am very happy to report that all went well and other than a very uncomfortable shoulder I am doing fine.

 I am not allowed to lift my left arm above my shoulder for several weeks so I am limited in what I can do. I am taking extreme care not to do anything that might put paid to our being with our Grandchildren in 4 weeks time. 

Good News No 3 

Since the rain has passed, I have been enjoying sitting under our pergola, and every so often, I take a walk to enjoy the early arrival of my spring blossoms. 

The golf course has greened up dramatically.

The grevilleas are stunning.

Our neighbours cream one, as I walked over for a coffee.

An hour and half later!

Potted coour.

Eucharis Lily

Double Impatien

Cattleya Orchid

Last of the camellia, plus azalea and primula.

I would love to read your comment.

Birds and Lavender

 A quiet week on the walking front, but our local birds have been bringing me joy.

I help a friend look after her garden. The Fairy Wrens are often present and are a delight to watch. I took my camera with me last week in the hope I would get some lovely images. Just two. They flit so quickly.

I was walkng into our home one afternoon and spotted these butcher birds in the bird bath. I snuck inside quietly and quickly took this image through a window. As expected, they flew off before I returned outside.

The pelicans haven't been frequenting the ponds as often. Frank and I were enjoying an outside morning coffee when I spotted three soaring overhead. Once again, I was too slow finding the camera and only one remained.

Making breakfast several days ago, I spotted this distinguished character sitting on our fencepost. He posed for as long as required!

I visited the city's Roma Street Gardens with friends. The Ibis is a much unliked bird because of its habit of eating from cafe tables and rubbish bins. Yes, suburbia has taken over his habitat.  I think this fellow is looking particularly splendid.

A few metres further on, we found this sculpture. Perfect!

Brisbane is hosting the Olympic Games in 2032, and there is a proposal to have the Ibis as our mascot. A very controversial topic at present.

An unexpected journey on Monday to Cleveland, on Redland Bay, took me past the Sirromet winery and lavender farm. I had not expected to see the the lavender in bloom. An earlier, heavy passing shower of rain meant their perfume was filling the air. I just had to find a safe spot to turn around to enter the vineyard's driveway. Having done so, I was disappointed not to be able to see them. I finally parked beside the busy road, and safely crossed to take these images, and for a short while, enjoy their beauty through the fence.

Spot the Fairy Wren.

Nature brings so much joy to every day.

I would love to read your comment.

Birds, Friends and Nature

Monday 5 August

 The beautiful weather continues. Overnight minimums of 5C and maximums of 20 - 22 C with sunny, blue skies. I must add though, that I am very happy to see drizzle falling this morning and I hope it becomes heavier. We are in need of a good shower or two.

I think I have mentioned previously, that the local birds feel they should be invited to join us for our outdoor meals. Whilst we are totally thrilled by their birdsong throughout the day, eating with us is not on!

A wonderful chorous of Butcher Birds. A shame the golfers distracted them.

This fellow [butcher bird] distrupted our morning coffee in the sun, this week. As you can see, he was looking for his best chance of snatching our food.

My friend Pam was here for a quick sandwich on Saturday. We had not long sat down, when this Magpie alighted on the table. Initially we were happy for him to just sit on the opposite side of the table, but in the end, the temptation of a morsel was just too great for him.

Tuesday was Pam's birthday. 

Reg, Laurel, Frank and I took Pam to my favourite picnic spot in the Mt Cootha Botanical Gardens. Pam's treatment prevents her from being in the sun. Any short time in the sun can result in severe sunburn. The table in the well covered pergola here, allowed Pam a lovely view of the gardens, and in particular, the golden flowering grevillea and wattle.

During the past few weeks I have been painting small pebbles to take to Ben and Nora in September.

 Pam loves cats so I also painted several for her birthday. 

My friend Jan is off on another overseas adventure - Lithuania, Lativia, Finland and Iceland. Joc and I joined her for farewell bubbles, at Southbank. Frank dropped me off on their way home. The river and our new footbridge [opening in 4 weeks time] was looking magnificent in the 3 pm light.

The Goodwill Bridge [opened 2001] was busy at 5pm, with commuters trekking home.

Note the seagull ambling by.

Yes, another bird wanting to join a human feast.

On Wednesday, the Hungry Hikers were back to three. A short drive took us to a suburban park for morning tea.

Whilst our town planners are allowing minimal sized housing blocks with almost no gardens for children to play in, the estates have to provide green space. A lovely stroll was enjoyed.

Flooded Gum - they grow up to 50 metres.

Friday afternoon was the monthly gathering of my Piggies group. Penny had kept her 70th birthday bubbles to share on this occasion. 

Our numbers were also down for this occasion. Our youngest Piggy, Liz, was having her final breast cancer treatment, so we raised a glass to wish her well and cancer free days ahead.

Liz's attitude.

July swiftly passed by and August has arrived. 

Yes, Linda, [Linda's Lens]  "Good friends are the jewels of life".

I would love to read your comment.