That time in between 2020-2021

The boys and girls are on their way back to Sydney and we wake to an empty house. Its been joyful and almost unexpected in its breadth. Over Xmas we were lucky to have friends over for a Xmas party, following restrictions,  and to enjoy going out to restaurants but also having meals at home and down time by the pool. Nothing of all of this is unusual except for the fact that this has been a year of the Covid pandemic and each of these happenings is precious and a gift. Our family abroad has been by our side with thoughtful presents being delivered and many face times. We are hopeful for the New Year but know we also have to be cautious and mindful of how our behaviour can impact others. Above all we await vaccinations, open borders and no more loss of life for 2021. Such a wish would have seemed almost strange a year ago but 2020 delivered a belter and everyone has struggled to come to terms with its impact. 

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year. Keep safe, healthy and vaccinated!

Transformations and Travel.

While the shopping, cleaning and cooking are going on apace, amid fears of a Sydney covid hot- spot erupting, and with my heart in my mouth as a consequence, I have to find a way to calm myself down and say it will all be fine - and the best way to do that is to escape into the garden for a while and weed, weed, weed. 

The garden has benefited enormously from the rain - everything is growing at record rates and it is really a question of catching all the moments of change. Mushrooms erupted under the olive tree. One day they were tall and tumescent, the next day spent nipples on deflated breasts. 

The caterpillars are often hard to see but when you look closely they are sometimes luminescent, and colourful. 

Here is hoping those young men and their gals manage to safely cross the skies for some days with mum and dad in the garden to catch some garden transformations and merry miracles. 

Xmas 2020 planning/ shopping.

Last year all our efforts, thoughts, and financial support went to the Firefighters as they were fighting blazes all around Australia. This year its raining cats and dogs along the East Coast. Feast or Famine characterises Oz. As family is planning to visit - we have our fingers firmly crossed- we want to do what we can to welcome them. We want to support the return to a full and vibrant economy. So shopping in this beautiful hood is our starting point. 

Walking along to the shops I notice the concern of a caring resident who has carefully marked a leaning branch along the path with a crafty warning cover. 

Our little bunch of shops each offer something special and they have been roped into the Xmas party so I can spend more time enjoying my guests. Just having guests is a bit of a bonus in this year. We still have a way to go to get away properly from the consumerism of the season but supporting the survival of the Eastern Spotted Quoll is one present hubby is getting and he, in turn, is able to give away little pots of honey from our hive. 

As I walk along the neighbourhood I love catching the quirky decorations and the use of pavement trees as Xmas Trees where everyone can enjoy them. 

I am aware that many parts of the world are struggling with Covid so staying safe and well must be uppermost in everyone's mind. We can say and mean it that all we want for Xmas this year is a vaccine!

A sticky sweet end to the Year

It's been a while coming with some major blips along the way. The first colony swarmed and buggered off as they were too shaded under the poinciana tree. The second colony positioned further up in the garden on raised stumps was remarkably more lively - as I can testify when I was stung repeatedly in an unplanned check when C thought this new lot had also swarmed. They were angry to be disturbed and found me in their way. It was not a pretty sight. Now a couple of years down the line from when this adventure began two Christmases ago we are about to find out whether 2020, with all its trials and tribulations, will offer up that sticky sweet end to the year. 

In preparation for the big reveal - the jars washed and ready to be used. 

The Hive on a quiet overcast day 

Taking no risks this time. 

Heading down to  the garden dressed to the nines - not taking any risks this time. C inserts and turns the key which moves the hexagons of the comb to release the honey. Its such a clever invention which keeps the comb relatively intact, as compared to traditional methods of honey harvesting,  and allows the bees to get on with their lives without disruption. The taps are then inserted into those sections where you think the honey has formed, and then you wait to see what comes out - 

Hurray the honey has started flowing and its a good day for Charlie's Cheeky Honey Pots. 

Xcuse the expletive - such excitement. 

Marvellous Moments in the Marangos Gilks household of Beekeepers and Honey-makers. A good omen for the end of the year and many a sweet moment to come. 

Disasters with Dougall- so it doesnt count as a proper walk

I set off to go the Fridge Community Library up the road - in case you don't know it, it is an old Fridge which doubles up as a Library and people can borrow or take books and contribute ones they no longer want. 

I made the mistake of heading out about 500 pm - and Dougall was at the gate. Hubby asked if I was taking him and while my initial instinct was no, his lovely face persuaded me otherwise. So I took the lead which he played catch with, and off we went. Except it turned out to be an obstacle course of encounters with other dogs. Some big, some small, some yappy, some downright unfriendly so he - we - were subjected to some hairy moments and they were coming in thick and fast. I was about to give up. He is so strong he can pull me over and I wasn't wearing the right shoes - but then remembered my boys' advice and decided to try and discipline him more and hold him on a tighter lease. There were parts along the way which were enjoyable but for the most part I had my heart in my mouth trying to keep him from being over exuberant with the millions of dogs out on the path that time of day and when I finally got home I wondered why my right hand was sore - ah holding him close, that is why. 

These are some of the saner moments. 

Just out of reach and happily so - Dougall thought otherwise ! 

The patterning on these leaves is exceptionally beautiful - we stopped to take it all in 

First Day of December 2020

Its the first day of December, its officially the first day of Summer, and the borders to NSW and Victoria have been thrown open. As if she didn't want us to miss her appearance, summer has stormed in with heatwaves affecting many parts of Australia and the temperatures have broken records. They say they will abate but there is no doubt that our world is getting warmer. 

Nevertheless we are celebrating so very much. The appearance of the first bloom on our poinciana in the garden. The hive bursting with activity and promising a pot of honey - we would not dare deprive them of more. The promise of some family over the festive period. 

The birds are abounding - my latest is a pied currawong who sings to signal its arrival. I cannot tell if it is male or female so if you want to help me name it please suggest a unisex name.

 Even nature is getting ready for a Festive month with special baubles and candelabras on the trees. 

Lets hope summer leaves us feeling warmed by its rays but not parched, and  its a gentle end to this challenging year but an energetic and colourful start for 2021.