Out of Place

Out walking, I became fascinated by the patterns on the trunk of this tree. I feel they should form the basis of some artistic endeavour.

I admit, I did find these images amusing, but in my defence, it was my brother who sent them to me, and he lives in Scotland - so please direct all your complaints thataway.

Sometimes, when you've not planned a meal in advance, you just have to take a chance on what you find in the pantry. 

They may not be the most helpful when it comes to culinary activities, but when I'm curled up with a winter beverage and trying to finish the book club book for the end of the month, the cats are great company.

And they are firm believers in the idiom, 'Neither use nor ornament'. I'm guessing the latter...

Shortest Days: Longest Nights: Coming Home

We have reached the middle of the year, and here in the Southern Hemisphere, that means the days are short and the nights are long. It's also cold. Penelope spends much of her time in her snuggly bed, and she isn't keen to be disturbed.

Is it coming home? We hope so. On our family chat group, we are all watching the Euro 2020 and commenting on England's progress. Big Brother and I are proudly sporting our colours. Yes, I look tired - it was 5am. 

The weather has been cold and wet, but when it clears up and the sun shines, the walks are always beautiful around here.

Black Mountain Nature Reserve

Walking with the Walking Crew at the weekend was cold again, but we had a mission - get to the café for breakfast - so we wrapped up warm and off we went!

I loved coming across these feathers in a tree-stump. Native American culture traditionally considers feathers to be gifts from the sky, which carry with them the power of the birds, wind and air, and the power of the sky gods. The central hollow shaft of the feather can be seen as a way to send prayers to the Creator and also to receive blessings or messages.

Apparently, feathers represent freedom of mind and heart, and the ability to travel, change, and move through life freely. Feathers are a symbol of flight and freedom; like a bird that soars through the boundless sky and has a view of all things from high above, feathers symbolise the ability to transcend and move beyond mental barriers and limitations; to see the larger picture and understand what really matters. This may all sound a bit naff, but I find it quite meaningful, particularly in these times of Covid. 

I read an article about symbolism in nature, which suggested that when you see a feather a tree, you are being asked to 'go out on a limb' for a situation to gain fruition. You are being guided to stretch your limits; push yourself higher; approach things from a different angle. Your goals and dreams are within reach: you just need to apply a little more effort to reach them. Whatever, I like them.

Cold hands: warm hearts with The Luminosity and Purple Lady

At Winter Solstice, I tend to indulge my pagan side. I sweep out the house, removing the bad energy through the back door and I bring in the new growth and colour (rosemary, lavender and hebe) through the front. I drink a dark beer and/or a mulled wine (not pictured) and I light a candle to represent the beginning of the lengthening of days and bring in the light.

You are my sunshine

There is some software doing the rounds that can change a portrait image into that of a cartoon character. Calamity Sue made this picture of me that's a little bit freaky and proves what a wonky smile I've got: hence only one dimple.

At this time of year the morning sun shines directly into our hallway. It gives a golden glow to the start of the day and is, again, slightly alien, especially when it highlights the hatstand just so.

The very lovely Dr Kay and Patience Itself had organised a get-together which, being mid-winter, incorporated a three-course soup meal. We had French onion; pea and ham; pumpkin, potato and kumara, followed by (not pictured) Poires Belle Helene for dessert. I was very tired and very happy to see people, and the food was so delicious that I completely forgot I'm supposed to be on a low FODMAP diet. Three hours later, my stomach reminded me with a cramping, exploding vengeance. Oops! It was still a fun evening (the night; not so much).

We wandered down to The Pot Belly pub intending to see The Ginger Nuts perform, but we got the wrong weekend and so saw The Dirty Sunflowers supported by Gin on the Rocks instead. And they were good too. As was the beer, brewed by Him Outdoors. 

And when they find the sunny spots, the kittens like to play in them.

Reconciliation Day celebrations

It's Reconciliation Day in the ACT. To reflect on this wonderful country and how we were welcomed here by the indigenous people, I went for a walk up Mt Ainslie to breathe in the air and appreciate the beauty of this place. I am on he land of the Ngunnawal people, and I acknowledge their continued connection to country and culture. I pay my respects to their elders: past; present and emerging.

Black cockatoos in the trees

Meanwhile, Him Outdoors ran a race in the glorious scenery. He went the right way; the crosses on the tracks indicate the wrong way.

We celebrated the end of the day with bubbles because, well, why not?

Walks over the next couple of days revealed beautiful skies and scenic surrounds.

All that walking requires energy, especially if there are rehearsals as well. Fortunately General Philosopher was on the case and made us all this lime green jelly slice. 

Throughout everything we are judged, as always, by Melantho of the Pretty Cheeks.