Dirty Linen

Well, not quite.  It's raining again here but the garden beckoned and it was wonderful out in the gentle rain.

But muddy, of course.  Enroute to the bathroom, it crossed my mind to take a cuppla unusual views of our house.

Here's the view from the bathroom landing.

And here's the bathroom.

I know what you're thinking:  she should clean out the gutters and clean the bath...

Tomorrow.

I'm easily distracted.  Here's the view of the Long Gallery between our house and Royce's.

I'll try to remember to take a photo when Steve is using it as exhibition space.

Steve's birthday

is today - it's 21st November in Australia.  He has produced a shadow man print which he's very pleased with.

While I was away in England and Wales, I realised that I always feel at home when there's a blackbird around.  We have one at River Bank - during the week he flew into my bedroom which gave us both a few anxious moments.  Today he is happy in the jacaranda (if you look very carefully).

Rainy Saturday

I had to go out in the rain to take this photo of my Schwarzkopf (or similar) dripping with diamonds.

Here it is in situ.

This is the wettest, rainiest day we've had for eons.

Note the hollyhocks and jacaranda just coming in to flower.

Here's the back of the house and the moon a cuppla nights ago.

Truly magic.

Billy Can Do

The weekends have been perfect here lately and I've been happy to spend just about all the time in the garden.  I noticed this billycan on the path one day.

I used to keep the pegs in it but they strangely disappeared while I was away on holiday...  I hadn't thought of it for years, but I remembered that when I got married the first time, we bought a camping cooking set and this was the innermost billy.  We used these as our saucepans for years.

And what's in it now?

Stones from the fountain Tue and Lanna gave Steve and me for a wedding present.

Cans within cans.  Wheels within wheels.

Country Music Style

This is the week of the Country Music Festival.  So I was inspired to do a few things around the house while outside echoed to various country styles.  Georgia's blog made me think to show you the linen cupboard on the first landing, its doors currently sporting felted acorns.

Because the weather is still coolish, I've decided on splashes of red in my room.  Doesn't my framed Tarentella (painted and created by Spanish Rose Norte) look fabulous!!!

I'd read in The Big Issue during the week that The Simpsons has turned 21, so couldn't resist showing you the plate collection in the kitchen.

And since the door is open, and becomingly draped in rubbish bags, let's peak outside.

That little nesting box is my souvenir from Kangaroo Island at Easter time.  I'm not saying it's going to stay on that verandah post for ever, I'm just waiting for the right place to make itself known.

Home Truths: Spring, and a garden in waiting...

Noticed that our ornamental vine is coming to life as I came in through the garage door tonight.

Of course, it's not all good news

This is the north side of our house - actually in the yard of the fish and chip shop next door.  Much as I love living in an old building, there are maintenance issues.  Fortunately we have some good builders around - mostly retired but happy to do the odd job.