Christmas 2021

Helen at Lake Eppalock

Losing your mother is permanent and inexpressible, a wound that will never quite heal

Mums grave was looking a little tired so I have freshened up the tulips.

The significance of the white and 'black' (purple) colour is that tulips were mums favourite flower and she grew these colours in pots for many years in memory of my younger brother Brett (Click for more info), who barracked for Collingwood (yes I know!). His ashes are in her arms in her grave today.

I also added some solar spot lights in the pots so they will illuminate at night.

the new flowers

At night the solar spotlights illuminate the tulips.

The before tulips.

The End Of The Zombie Apocalypse

With the expected end of the zombie apocalypse I finally made it up to the Murray River for a spot of fishing and a quick camp with Helen.

Most tracks were still closed after recent rain but after getting bogged once we found a dry way into the river.

I don't think I lost a bait but the beers and the sunset were worth the trip.

Helen taking dibs on the bed

The view from the chair

Nice grassy spot

Right at a creek junction.

Helen on a Rabbit Hunt

2 Years Today RIP Beatrice Ryan

I hope I have grown the lawn on your grave as well as you nurtured our garden. 2 years today and the first day without you felt like a year, and the first year felt like a century. Yet in my memory, I spoke to you only yesterday.

Deer Antler Handle

Restored and old Wiltshire mill bastard file so I thought I'd give it a custom handle.

Helens new trick

Lake Nillahcootie

Lake Nillahcootie is situated on the Broken River in north eastern Victoria, 36km south of Benalla on the way to Mansfield. No camping is allowed but the fishing is supposed to be OK see https://www.trellys.com.au/blogs/fishing-locations/fishing-lake-nillahcootie

Wood Fired Oven Roast

The telling chill in an autumn day tell us winter is coming. So nothing to do but the light the fire and cook something.

Boneless role leg of lamb, pumpkin, potatoes whole onion and carrots with rosemary, thyme, marjoram and basil from the garden into the wood fired oven. 

Cooked.

a lovely smokey flame licked roast with creamy slow cooked veggies.

Who's that looking on?

Happy Birthday Helen

Helen the American Staffordshire Terrier on the 16th of April 2021 is now 2 years old. Officialy and adult for this breed. 36Kg and moderatly well disciplined. Training for obedience ongoing.

Helen today the 16th of April.

Resting in the driveway

Kangaroo spotted

Pointing at a Kangaroo, front leg raised.

Mallee Darling

Shed

Weld a Seat

My wooden bench seat outside the 'Manshed' was starting to fall apart so I decided to make a new one with a frame of steel.

Using the old bench seat a template here is my initial plan.

The frame material cut to size.

The frame tack welded together.

Frame welded and wood planks sitting on top.

Finished seat frame painted and wood screwed to frame.

Helen Sharing Doggy Treats With Magpies