Are you free to take a walk in the countryside with me?

Are you free to join me in one of our first New Year walks? 

It'll blow off the cobwebs and maybe if I'm lucky a few festive fat cells too!

Talking of which reminds me of a tweet I sent out yesterday...it was so funny I had to share it. 

(sorry to all of you who may not see my tweets...you don't know what you're missing by the way, as I don't always post the same things on my blog) 

The tweet was about my hubby's first day back at work after the holidays. He went to put on his work trousers...well the look of sheer horror on his face was priceless. 
The waistband didn't even come anywhere near where it needed to be to fasten. 

He took a huge in-breath and stretched up tall sucking in his cheeks making them indent 

(his face cheeks that is peeps...tut tut...what are you like? :$)

Anyway, as I dried my eyes from all the laughter tears, I found him an alternative pair which were slightly less painful. It's such a shame because he's not really anywhere near overweight, so it came as such a surprise or more accurately horror to him! 

(which I find amazing really...if he'd only analyzed just what a great holiday he'd indulged in...quite literally...he'd have realised that there'd be trouble ahead)  

So maybe they'll be lots of walking now and his bike might even get an airing too.

Off we go McMuffy...the great beyond lies ahead!

A lovely off lead walk through the woods and country lanes...what more could a dog want? 

We even found an old water mill which was a complete surprise. 

Don't you just love coming across something unexpected when you're out walking. 

I think it happens every time I walk...whether it's a bird, plant, the clouds formation or meeting someone...you just never know what you'll see until you step outside. 

These buildings are part of an old dairy farm and here's even the old cheese press.

I think this is magnificent. 

(obviously my blog name isn't engraved into it...wouldn't that be spooky)
Because of the amount of rain that we've been experiencing in the last week or so, this 'burn' was fast flowing. It had a fantastic gurgling and bubbling sound. 
(By the way just in case you've never heard of the term 'burn'. 
It is the Scottish Gaelic word used for smaller rivers and larger streams) 
I love this little gate and all the stones covered in moss. 
It's like they've got their winter togs on don't you think?

I'm not sure if the recent gales blew this tree down or whether it's been down for some time. But I'm sure it wasn't there last time I walked this way. 

It's sad to see it upended in such a way, but it shows just how shallow the root system is on these magnificent trees. 

(Here is my daughter and McMuffy investigating...I think this shows the scale of the tree perfectly) 

I wish that I'd thought to take another photo just shortly after this one was taken, but I was too distracted and laughting once again because Muffy went through a kind of assault course and didn't come out of it very well. 
There was a little plank of wood that someone had kindly laid across a particularly bad patch of mud, water and basically all things grotty but did Muffy use the plank to follow me? You know the answer already don't you? 

Yep she ignored the plank and walked alongside. 
Well walk possibly isn't the right word...more like waded through. 
Remember she's only a mini Shih Tzu so her undercarriage is very near to the ground...and in this instance we lost sight of it completely and of her legs and midriff. She emerged at the far end like the creature from the deep with black limbs and dripping debris everywhere. Twigs, dead leaves and moss attached throughout her coat. 

Like my hubby's face described above, she looked horrified and confused all at the same time as to what had happened! 

(Brr...that water was %$#%%@ chilly ^..^ I'm NOT amused!)

So looking like a drowned rat, we had to make a quick retreat for home and a warm bath.

But not before we were in open ground and I was amazed to find a field full of geese quietly contemplating the day until we arrived...then whoosh up they rose into the heavily-laden sky. 

I was disappointed I didn't manage to get a good photo before they became aware of us. 

We tried to be so quiet and still too. 

Perhaps Mufftypups shivering gave the game away? 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Just before I sign off today I'd just like to wish everyone who is suffering due to the incredibly tough weather conditions we're experiencing...whether it's here in the UK with all of the floods or in the US with the freezing temperatures. 

Take care, stay safe and warm everyone.

May the New Year bring your visions into focus and your dreams into reality. 

Top Dog...I Think NOT!

I could be wrong but I'm pretty sure that dog walks aren't supposed to end like this....?

I know Mufftypup is vertically challenged and only has excuses for legs 

(hey...I got the short straw in that department too so get over it Muffy!) 

But I think it's maybe taking things just a little too far?

Or perhaps I took her too far...literally this morning?

I'm constantly kidding myself that I'm top dog, but...well...we all know the truth don't we?

No-one carry's me home when I'm tired!!!  :$

I hope your day is as relaxed as Muffy's and that you're enjoying the sunshine.

Chat again soon

I Spy With My Little Eye...something beginning with P

I have no idea what my friend put in my cuppa this morning after our walk, but my...oh my...I've been like a dog running on lino ever since!

I've completed numerous tasks and chores that needed my attention and some that didn't...but I just went for it anyway!

It could be something to do with the fact that the sun has made an appearance today. The temperature is nearly up to my tolerance level...just skirting below at 15 degrees celsius. Tomorrow it's supposed to hit the button ~ 16...whoohoo....watch me go!

I've mentioned before when you're out walking how easy it is to miss things....you just don't see things unless you open your eyes...like the uneven pavement until you trip, or the puddle until you're knee deep in muddy water...and that's just what happened on our Sunday morning walk.

 I admired this beautiful huge tree as we walked past, but then my OH said...Psst....'look'!

Now it's your turn to play...can you see it?

Here's a clue....

Let's sneak in and take a closer look...

That is one cosy critter....

Here's a picture so that you know what the other end looks like?

Yep it's a possum!

I know they're very controversial creatures...some people love them whilst others hate them.

I have to agree I think I might have a problem if one chose to nest in my roof space or attic...making an incredible smell and mess, but so far they've stayed at a distance so I'm okay about them. 

It's very difficult to get a good photo as they are nocturnal marsupials and therefore as this model above demonstrates very well...snooze during the day! 

(This photograph is curtisy of unisa.edu.au )

I think I may need a snooze now I've sat down....

I hope you have a productive day too :D

A Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY ~ Monday 23rd July 2012

Outside my window...which is difficult to see out this morning due to the heavy condensation on the inside of the window, which is a firm confirmation that it's a cold outside. The sun is just rising. The sky is a very pale blue having not warmed up yet and everywhere is very still...it's obviously a chilly bright fresh winter morning. I've just peeped at the window on my weather icon in my sidebar and it reads only 4 degrees celcius! That's quite cold for a Melbourne winter's morning. But it doesn't matter because the sun's here and that makes everything fine! ;D

I can't hear any birds at the moment...maybe they're staying huddled up until the sun's warmth reaches them...or their porridge is ready?!!? 

I know there's a resident ‘Tawny Frogmouth Owl' (Podargus strigoides) in our tree in the front garden, because for over a week or so now he's been woo-wooing all night! It's a very strange noise like a low repetative vibrating noise. If you would like to hear their night call click here and then scroll down the right hand sidebar until you come to the call option. It's really quite different to the usual owl type call, but then the Tawny Frogmouth isn't an owl at all, in fact they are actually more closely related to an noctoral bird or Nightjars.  

I am thinking...about the new week ahead and wondering what it might bring? One thing for sure is that it will go quickly, so I'll have to make the most of it! But then I always try to.
 

I am thankful...for the moon and stars that brighten up our night skies. Last night because it was a very clear night we had a brilliant display. The best night sky I've ever seen was when we were on holiday in the Maldives where obviously there wasn't any light pollution because of the location of the island. I would just stand and stare at the magnitude of wonder above. It really does make you gasp in amazement.

In the kitchen...there's a new huge pressure cooker! It's a scary beast of a thing. I've been toying with the idea of getting one for years because I know some people who rave about them...my sister has cooked with one all her married life...but I've always been a little afraid of them. Especially when they're hissing and steaming away like they're going to 'blow' at any moment!

So I've been instructed numerous times by my OH that I have to read the manual before tackling it. He's read it, but he knows what I'm like with manuals...they're for 'men' that why they're called 'MANuals'.

Women just get on with it!!! Ohhhh...that's probably going to ruffle a few feathers (well we'll see if any men read this journal now...but maybe if they do they won't admit to it eh?)

I am wearing...I'm still in bed...so mind you're own business! ;D

I am creating...I've got lots of ideas again for this week ~ I just hope I can get to them. You'll be sure to see them here if I do :D

I am going...to an appointment this morning and Wednesday I have booked my car in for a service. Thankfully they provide a loan car, so I'll still be able to get around. There's lots of bits and pieces planned but nothing too demanding so I should have a productive week. 
 

I am wondering...In keeping with the night theme that seems to be running through this journal today...
'Why is it that you must wait until night to call it a day'?

I'm reading...The Seamstress by María Dueñas. I KNOW...I can't believe I'm still reading this book either!
I must emphasise that it has nothing to do with the book. I am enjoying reading it, but I've just not been able to allocate enough time to it. I manage a few pages last thing at night but my eyelids give way!
I think I should be on track for our August book club meeting but it might be a close thing. 
My reading seems to be taking a back seat just now, but it's a good read and I am enjoying it....here's a few details....

Maria Duenas' million copy best-selling tale of adventure, tragedy, love and war, "The Seamstress". Spain, on the brink of civil war, 1936. In love for the first time, Sira Quiroga leaves Madrid, along with everything she knows and cares about, to run away to Tangiers, Morocco with her lover Ramiro. She entrusts him with all her inheritance only to be left by him - pregnant, penniless and in trouble with the authorities. At her lowest ebb Sira falls back on the one skill she possesses: sewing. Moving to Tetouan, Sira survives by sewing beautiful clothes for the English mistress of one of the most powerful men in Morocco and for her German friends. As the women unguardedly gossip about their husbands and lovers, Sira is placed in a position very valuable to the British secret service, and she is soon forced to move to Madrid where great danger lies. A grand and epic story that tells the story of Spain's civil war, Madrid in the Second World War and reveals a world of war, glamour, espionage and passion. "A wonderful novel with intrigue, love, mystery and tender, audacious and clean-cut characters". (Mario Vargas Llosa). "A magnificent novel that flawlessly brings together history and intrigue". (Juan Gomez-Jurado, author of "The Moses Expedition"). Maria Duenas holds a PhD in English Philology and is currently a professor at the University of Murcia. She has also taught at American universities, is the author of several academic articles, and has participated in various educational, cultural and editorial projects. She is currently writing her second novel which she'll probably have finished before I finish this one.

 

I am hoping...that all the plans and designs that are crowding the right side of my brain at the moment...get to see the light of day and all expectations. I'm still so thankful that Mr Mojo decided to return to me and so far looks like he's willing to stay. :D 

I am looking forward to...yep my answer is still the same...a holiday, vacation or even a 'stay-cation' (whatever you want to call it) just so long as we can have some time away from the normal route to explore somewhere new, relax, eat, drink, have fun and generally recharge the batteries! Obviously somewhere warm or even tropical might be nice right now...but as time goes on I would just like it to be anywhere! Hopefully we'll manage it soon and when I do take a trip, I'll be sure to take you along or if you're not free at least show you where I've been!

 

Around the house...all ship shape and fairly clean and organised considering. So I need to spend some time outside...because it's a perfect day for tidying and pottering about the garden. There's a lot to sort out and as they say...'when the sun shines'!

  

A favourite quote for today...'Don't wait around for other people to be happy for you. Any happiness you get you've got to make yourself '.....Alice Walker

One of my favourite things...is to watch Masterchef. I've had such pleasure from watching this fourth series where poor novice cooks have made an incredible journey of discovery. They've had some amazing challenges, trips and mentoring that is priceless...plus meeting some of the best chef's in the business from all over the world! The programme is now entering it's final week where there will be eliminations each night...it's at the bitter sweet part of the series where you want to watch but don't want anyone to leave because over the weeks you get to know all  the contestants and their personalities.  
But leave they must...in order to reach that coveted prize and one of them to be crowned 'MasterChef'! 
Bring it on.....
    

A few plans for the rest of the week: Work, rest and play but not necessarily in that order : D

 

A peek into my day...  

 Now that looks like I imagined Australia would look like...

this beautiful place was on our doggy walk today...how perfect is that?

 So that's it for this week; I hope you enjoyed your visit. Don't forget to pop over to The Simple Womans Daybook and check out the other day book entries

Have a fabulous week and hopefully the sun will shine where you are : D

Are you free to join me in a walk?

I thought if you had a few minutes free you might like to join me on our morning walk?
It was Zac's last morning with us...yep his holiday's over and he's back home, probably enjoying being spoilt...you know how they do that to us? Sulking because they were left behind...how could they go without ME? I'll show them! etc etc...
Madame Mufftypup has had a very quiet afternoon sulking in her bed....but I've told her we'll see him again soon (^,,^) but she's not convinced.
Anyway...let's enjoy the day and our walk. It certainly was a beautiful morning. There was a crispness to it but then autumn is approaching here. We've had 31C degrees today which is crazy. So off we go.....

Here are the kids enjoying a roam off leash...so many things to investigate! 

Doggy heaven...

As you may know if you've visited me before I adore trees so here's a beautiful specimen. I always expect the trunk to feel warm like its alive which I know it is, but you know what I mean...like its a limb of a huge animal with pale skin. I know I frighten the kids sometimes...I know I'm strange : )

I love the white revealed once the bark falls away.

The sun was delicious and I really appreciated it...

These cuties caught my eye to ~ like a fairy village. It's amazing what you notice once you start to blog. Everything shouts out at you for a photograph...(oh no...tell me it's not just me again?)

This bird I believe is a Butcherbird. I think it may be a Grey Butcherbird but it could be a Pied Butcherbird.

Here's a Butcherbird song.

The sky was cloudless and then I noticed the moon. How brilliant is that...it forgot to go to bed. Maybe it wanted to enjoy the day too?

Look there's someone else flying by... 

This plane was circling around and around...not sure why?

It wasn't the usual thing to see so I hope it was okay?

Sorry its a little blurred but my zoom isn't that good!

 How amazing is this paper bark...I'm told you can paint and draw on it...hmm...food for thought there.

 I know I mention the rainbow lorikeets regularly on my blog but today I finally managed to get up close and personal...They were sitting and chatting in a garden...so I snapped them whilst I could.

 This seed block is the one they visit ~ not mine unfortunately. I won't give up though.

How rude of them to ignore mine : (

 Now then, here's a little quiz for you...what is this? I haven't a clue but I loved his wings.

After the treelined walk we come to a couple of ovals for a quick game of footy. Muffin has always been a very keen player. It's amazing how fast her little legs will go.

The tallest building in the background is the Eureka building in the CBD... I plan to visit one day but I'm not sure about the glass cube which projects 3 metres out from the building, with you in it - suspended almost 300 metres above the ground! It's the only observation deck in the world that can thrill you with 'The Edge' suspended almost 300 metres above the ground! Eek!
The Skydeck is situated on the 88th floor and is the highest public vantage point (285m) in the Southern Hemisphere. If I do visit then I'll definitely either take you with me or let you see evidence that I was there.

Back to earth....as well as the blackbirds I never expected to see oak trees here. But I'm so glad they are.

And so back home for a well needed cuppa...and the final splash of colour.

Have a wonderful day...keep smiling and enjoy your day : D

Take time to think....

I thought it might be time to stop and perhaps take a leaf out of Santa's book....

Not necessarily go surfing but to stop and sit awhile or better still to take a breather whilst out walking. Clear the chesticles, mind, soul and all that.

I can say that today because yesterday I finished dressing the tree and baked two batches of mincepies. Whoohoo ;D

So the weather was perfect this morning....sorry I don't mean to gloat but it was! The sun was shining  but it was cool, crisp and clear. So do you need a break from the festive fever.
Come on and I'll shall show you some things I saw on my route.....

Get the kettle on...sit down and take 5!

I'm surprised that this photo came out at all really because the fungi was sitting quite high up the tree and I had to capture it with my arms stretched up and on tipytoe. Not bad eh?

This Jacaranda was certainly enjoying the morning sunshine too.

I remember the first time I saw a jacaranda was in South Africa. I don't think I'd ever seen anything like it before. The street was lined on both sides giving a spectacular sight.

I thought this tree looked like a chap that had some comment to make as I passed but managed to hold back...or is that just me??? Eek...I must check my medication!

There was a bush bearing fruit but I'm not sure what it was...?

If anyone can shed some light on what it is...shout up....

here's a close up of the fruit to help...

And here's the Agapanthus growing randomly near the railway line.

nearly done...ahhh....

And just to show I wasn't telling any porkie pies...here's my mince pies to prove it.

I haven't put the recipe on today but if you would like it just let me know and I'll add it on....

I'm always transported back in time when making my mince pies, to a time when I needed a chair to reach the table top in order to help my Grandma make her's. She used to make them for the whole family. I remember thinking there were hundreds but maybe that's just in my memory. I do know the exact amounts but there were lots. Her kitchen became a hive of industry with flour puffs, icing clouds, and a good pinch of laughter.

Perfect memories...... :D

Right that's it for today...off you go....get busy peeps! Tea break's over.

Have fun....

p.s. Oh my...I really do need to check my medication...I thought it was Tuesday today, otherwise I'd have posted my Simple Woman's Journal. Oh well that'll have to be tomorrow now. Merry Madness!

Muffin and Zac....walking out together

Yet again a beautiful day here...I know I'm beginning to sound like a broken record, but its true.

So off we went on our morning walk using the new duel lead. Its been so funny since Zac came to stay seeing all their antics and none more so than getting the hang of this. It started out like a push me pull you kind of thing. One would want to stop and sniff whilst the other was keen to keep walking. Or worse still both pulling in different directions. But we seem to be over that now and working as one in harmony.

They're getting on great and here's the proof....

So if your viewing this from some tropical island - you'll know he's fine and not missing you at all when you see this... lol ; D

We were going so fast its nearly a blur....

I hope this little video works....I've got my fingers crossed. But I think it needs some suitable music to accompany it...but its getting very late here, so that may have to be a project for another day.

In a garden en route we came across this improvised bird feeder, with a little visitor....a rainbow lorikeet. I told him where I knew of a five star restaurant with a huge block of bird seed, so I hope he comes to call soon. 

 

But then he was gone......just a flash of colour.

It was definitely a day for the birds, because we then came across a small flock of Galah's. I can never remember the name of these birds but thankfully someone else did.

{Galah - Scientific name: Cacatua roseicapilla}

Facts about the Galah

The Galah can be easily identified by its rose-pink head, neck and underparts, with paler pink crown, and grey back, wings and undertail. Birds from the west of Australia have comparatively paler plumage. Galahs have a bouncing acrobatic flight, but spend much of the day sheltering from heat in the foliage of trees and shrubs. Huge noisy flocks of birds congregate and roost together at night.

Galahs form huge, noisy flocks which feed on seeds, mostly from the ground. Seeds of grasses and cultivated crops are eaten, making these birds agricultural pests in some areas. Birds may travel large distances in search of favourable feeding grounds.

Galahs form permanent pair bonds, although a bird will take a new partner if the other one dies. The nest is a tree hollow or similar location, lined with leaves. Both sexes incubate the eggs and care for the young. There is high chick mortality in Galahs, with up to 50 % of chicks dying in the first six months. Galahs have been recorded breeding with other members of the cockatoo family, both in the wild and captivity.

And finally here's a little quiz....which country was this photo taken in? Would you believe it IS Melbourne....see I told you its so like the UK here. The cricket season has just begun with the resonating sound of ....'Ow's that?'

Have a brilliant fun packed weekend - whatever you get up to.....

Timber........

My friend and I were out walking with Muffin and Zac today, when suddenly we came under attack from above the tree canopy....or so we thought. It wasn't the usual hazard of the Noisy Miner birds that tend to swoop as near as they can to your head. (If you’re from here you'll know exactly what I mean) But this was something all together different.

As we walked along the pathway under the trees, loud thuds reverberated. Numerous heavy objects were falling from overhead. We rather foolishly went in closer to investigate - which could have resulted in injury - what we found were cones.....LARGE CONES.

What a noise they made when landing but then when you look at their size, it’s not so surprising they made such a loud noise. I dread to think what would happen if they happened to land on you....lights out probably?

 

Another dog passing by at the time thought it was a great new game....he was quite a large dog so therefore had no problem picking one up in his mouth. Then off he went...very happy with his new toy. Muffin and  Zac just looked on with envy. See size does matter! There's no way either Muffin or Zac could pick up one of those in their mouth.

And so who was to blame for all this commotion....a group of Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo's (Calyptorhynchus funereus)

What a noise......

 After standing watching the antics for a while and dodging the fallout, we collected four to take home. I have never seen such big cones in my life. No wonder the cockatoo's were excited.

It was a great feast.

Here's the largest....

I couldn't resist getting the scales out when we got home....it weighs a staggering 425g!!!

I think we were right to be cautious with those falling from a great height don't you?