A while back there was a lovely thread of sunrises that the early risers among us posted. I loved it, so I thought I'd broaden it to a thread for all the lovely sights we see as we do our slow staggers through chemo, or those walks we take after active treatment has finished and we're trying to get our strength and fitness back.In Melbourne today the weather was sunny, still and mild; perfect for a walk. I have followed my GP to a small town in the Yarra Valley (a good GP is worth the 30 minute drive I reckon), and right outside her surgery is the start of a beautifully laid out walking track. It's 7kms long and I've been keen to explore it. So today I walked halfway along it and back. At over 7kms it was the longest walk I've done since the day before chemo!

Jemima and friend nesting at our home this year

“No need to hurry. No need to sparkle. No need to be anybody but oneself.” - Virginia Woolf #SundayThoughts #SundayMorning

@Eastmum and I had brunch in Bondi on Tuesday...

Mrs Tawny Frog Mouth on her nest. She uses the same tree, same branch and I am sure the same twigs and piece of bark each year. Two clutches each wet season with usually 2 successful chicks from each clutch. Dad and juniors from last year are roosting in the shed.

@Sister We think she had been there for a good week because we could hear her call but could not see her. The gum tree is in the centre of our 2 way driveway. All year the parent birds and last year's chicks roost in the shed up on the big steel girders. It is lovely to watch the newly hatched chickies change from fluffy white downy little balls into fully fledged owls. First you see 2 black eyes in a ball of white fluff staring down at you. The funniest part is when the nestlings are trying to be a branch but cannot resist swiveling their heads to watch you walk past. Mum / Dad hiss at them.The adults will raise this clutch and then in January (depending on the wet season and food available) sit again. Some years all chicks will survive and some years none.They have been on our block for over 10 years - same tree - same branch - same piece of bark. I will post photos of mum and hatchlings.

On Our Walks | BCNA Online Network

663 Replies

arpie
Member
6 years ago
Stay safe, @kezmusc - we had a big scare on Thurs .... and currently have towns around us on fire. :(

We had 3 fires within 1.5k of us.

This fire was a few streets behind our place on Thurs - far enough not to impact us, but we have a big native reserve between the fire & us (right on our fenceline) that hasn't had backburning/slashing in the 20 years we've been here. So we were really concerned & had bags packed, just in case.

This one was in the National Park in front & across from us - it was bombed with fire retardent and then water

This one to the left of us ....

We played a gig here on Mon - my car was parked where these cars are. A Nursing home. They were OK and weren't evacuated. The actual fire was about 2 blocks away - but still VERY scary.

This photo deserves an award, I reckon, taken by a local.

A uke buddy has gone up to the Nymboida today where their holiday shack it (lucky to get thru with the Highway closures) - luckily it is OK but the bush burnt up to their fenceline.

Take care everyone xx If in doubt - get out!
kezmusc
Member
6 years ago
My poor dam is nearly dry. What a difference from the first pic. The other two have been dry for months. The sky is full of red haze from the fires burning everywhere. Kind of an eerie feeling.
kmakm
Member
6 years ago
@Flaneuse Me too! ;)
Flaneuse
Member
6 years ago
@kmakm Soul Sisters indeed. It's been a special day. We hardly drew breath. And I adore encouraging people to shop !!!
kmakm
Member
6 years ago
Sadly not @Sister, in her busy schedule I could only get a brief slot with @onemargie! We did clutter up the Redcliffe pavement for a bit and drop a few f bombs so we made good use of our time!

I just had the most wonderful day with @Flaneuse. We talked art, politics, travel, life, and everything in between. Found a soul sister.

I love our BCNA network!
Annie_C
Member
6 years ago
@Sister

"Olga the Brolga" was a great favourite picture book read for Storytime on the Mat when I was teaching preschool. Along with "Where The Wild Things Are" and the "Hairy McLairy" books.

Now that was a long long time ago. Brings back very nostalgic memories.
Sister
Member
6 years ago
@iserbrown We have a lot of koalas around here and we've sometimes found them in pine trees, just hanging out.

@"Annie C" Have you ever read the picture book "Olga the Brolga" by Rod Clement? One of my favourites when I used to do storytime.

@kmakm and @onemargie Are you out causing trouble?
iserbrown
Member
6 years ago
I think our Koala just got off track. The preferred food is Manna gum. Between us and our neighbour Helen we have planted quite a few across the properties so hopefully he will find them and stay awhile.
Because of the extended dry north of here we are also seeing birds we wouldn't normally see here
iserbrown
Member
6 years ago
excellent! Love it when nature gives a sign!
Annie_C
Member
6 years ago
@iserbrown

I will swap you my brolgas for your koala.

These three were "dancing" less than a kilometre from town.

A good indication that the 'Wet' is just around the corner.