Love is something that we share
It is something we declare
Happiness brings us excitement
It is used to cheer us up when in distress
Both love and happiness are all that we need
Although it also might be because of greed
Amelia Siggee – aged 11
Archived in: 🦋 Children’s Corner
Archived in: 🦋 Poetry Mix and 🦋 Children’s Corner
Archived in: 🦋 Poetry Mix
Back in early 2019 when we lived in Sydney, we often witnessed victimisation and bullying in nature, and birds were no exception. Across from our house was an open green area with a scattering of trees. A neighbour had donated a birdbath for the birds to enjoy and many residents would encourage the birds to hang around by feeding them. Usually the same variety of birds would gather together at various times during the day. Sometimes stragglers were left from a previous flock and fighting often breakout with loud screeches and squawks. Usually, it was the same breed who fought among themselves but this pretty bird flew in alone. By the time I set up my camera he had had a drink and was moving awkwardly up the branch of a jacaranda tree. That’s when I noticed how battered he looked. Where there should have been brilliantly blue feathers on his head they were quite dark and ruffled. His belly feathers were partly missing. He may have been just old but in this case he was more likely to have been an escaped caged bird and had recently been in a fight with native birds who didn’t appreciate his arrival.
Archived in:🦋 Poetry Mix
Some things don’t feel right. Unpleasant confrontations generate a mood of sadness. Shivers torment already traumatised nerves, like finger nails dragged across a blackboard. Yet, there’s nought to fear. Some things are not right. Hostility clutches hold with naive dishonesties and confusion creeps in with unsuspected lies. Cold fingers of fear grip with malicious rumours. Yet, there’s nought to fear. Some things are never right. Malice and corruption run amok in a violated world with greed and self-absorption taking hold. Unpredicted anguish and hearts full of darkness. Yet, there’s nought to fear. Some things can be made right. Terrors of the night flee with the promise of the sunrise. Integrity re-established to transform thoughts benefits the practise of honest, uncorrupted lives. Yes, there’s nought to fear. © Chrissy Siggee
Archived in: 🦋 Christian Reads
From the Archives:
Clutching the wooden spoon tightly and shaking it at my younger sister, I began my investigation. ‘OK, who did it? Who licked the mixing spoon?’
‘Not me.’ Madison answered, not looking up from the table.
‘Did too. Who else would have done it?’
‘Did not.’
‘Did too.’
The back door closed with a thump. Mum came in with her arms loaded with towels.
‘All right you two, break it up.’
‘But Mum…’
Madison crossed her arms tightly. ‘I… did… not… lick… Crystal’s… spoon.’
‘Did too.’
‘Girls, that’s enough!’
I tossed the spoon into the sink. ‘Mum, you promised that if I peeled the potatoes last night, I could lick the spoon when we baked the cookies this morning. It was my turn.’ I glared at my seven-year-old sister.
She poked her tongue out and I stomped out of the kitchen.
When I returned a few minutes later, notebook and pencil in hand, Mum and Madison were busy removing cookies from a baking tray.
‘OK… Mum, what happened when I left the kitchen to use the bathroom?’
With an audible sigh, Mum opened the oven door and placed another tray onto the top shelf. ‘Well, after we finished mixing the cookie dough, I went outside to bring the towels in from the clothesline. If Madison licked the spoon, I didn’t see her.’
Madison added a fairy-shaped cookie to a large plate and then turned toward me. ‘I… did… not… lick… your… spoon.’
I noted her statement. ‘Madison, what were you doing while Mum was outside?’
‘Colouring in my book.’
‘Before that, stupid.’
‘Please Crystal.’ Mum intervened. ‘You can play your detective games but please don’t be rude to your sister.’
Madison pushed a tiny candy bow into the icing on the top of a pink fairy before she continued with her defence.
‘I didn’t touch the spoon. Mum said it was your turn to lick it so I went and got my colouring pencils and book from my bedroom.’
Sandy, Madison’s kitty brushed against my legs. ‘Where was Sandy?’ I crouched down and checked the kitten’s paws and mouth.
‘She followed me outside,’ Mum replied, then handed Madison the container of sprinkles.
‘Well, it couldn’t be Sandy.’ Madison added not looking at anyone.
I added my notes about Sandy then poked the pencil behind my ear and placed the notebook onto the table. ‘Can I help decorate the cookies?’
‘Wash your hands and show Madison how to use the icing gun.’
Obediently but aggravated, I moved to the sink and washed my hands. I still think Madison did it. I kept my eyes on miss goody two-shoes while I turned on the tap. Little sister seems to always avoid punishment.
‘Did you come to any conclusions,’ Mum asked.
My attention remained focused on Madison. I took a small spoon from the drawer to use to fill the icing tube. ‘Well, if it wasn’t Madison or Sandy, who else could it be?’
‘It wasn’t me!’ Madison announced her innocence again. ‘You always blame me.’
Momentarily, I concentrated on filling the tube.
‘Well,’ Mum was saying. ‘If you did Madison, no one would be mad at you for it. It’s the lies that I don’t tolerate.’
Madison’s lips quivered. ‘I didn’t.’
A noise from the living room caused me to turn suddenly. ‘What’s that?’
Mum glanced up at the doorway as Dad entered.
Madison’s frown disappeared. ‘Daddy, you’re home early.’
I placed the icing gun on a clean plate. ‘How long have you been home, Dad?’
I grabbed my notepad and drew the pencil from behind my ear. I tapped my foot. ‘Well?’
‘Well…nice to see you too.’ Dad laughed.
I approached Dad and leaned forward. There on his loosened tie, was a tiny blob of chocolate. ‘Dad… you didn’t. How could you?’
‘Do what?’
Mum pointed her finger. ‘So, you’re the culprit.’
Dad bent down to kiss my forehead.
‘Da…ad, your lips are sticky.’
Dad just stood there and grinned. ‘Yeah, I came in to see my beautiful girls before I put my briefcase away. No one was here so I licked the spoon.’ He grabbed a paper serviette and wiped his mouth. ‘I guess you found me out.’
‘You licked the spoon? It was my turn!’
Mum came over and touched my shoulder. ‘I think you have an apology to make, Detective Crystal.’
© Chrissy Siggee
Archived in: 🦋 Children’s Corner
Last week we traveled about 90kms north of home to do a little sightseeing. We stayed the night and travel home late Saturday.
We were there just long enough to decide we would like to visit another time. Perhaps for three or four nights. My favourite place was the Shell Shop to which I will definitely revisit.
Archived in: 🦋 Travel + Retirement
Archived in: 🦋 Poetry Mix
I’m not sure if these have grown from seeds dropped by birds or if the seeds were in the mulch we spread around the garden. The tallest sunflower has already grown higher than the front windows and it’s still yet to bloom. Norm took these photos for me because they are so tall. Note the clever angle in the fifth photo.
Archived in: 🦋 I’m in the Garden
Rain is a shower but cold
It comes down soft or bold
When the rain and sun collide
It makes a rainbow in the sky
Amelia Siggee – aged 11
Archived in: 🦋 Children’s Corner
On Thursday May 30th 2024 we finally returned to Tamborine Mountain in Queensland for a visit. The first gallery shows just a few random photos of the many we took in the main street.
The highlight of the day trip was our bush-walk to Curtis Waterfall. My greatest achievement was descending and ascending the numerous steps. My new knee held up well. I’ve also limited photos in this gallery being mindful to my media page GB usage. There’s more in my Facebook holiday album.
Archived in: 🦋 Travel + Retirement
– a fictional short read based on a true incident.
Snaking up the mountain road was miserable, and not just because great droplets of rain were exploding on the windscreen before the wipers could whisk them away. Susan’s eyes were strained from weeping most of the night since her brother, Ron, phoned her. After picking up her friend Annie, just after 6am, they began the long drive.
‘How could she get out?’ Susan cried. She squeezed the steering wheel tighter. ‘How could they let this happen?’
‘Susan please, you need to stay focused; otherwise, Ron will need to send out a search party for us too.’ Annie sighed. ‘Hopefully, she’ll be found before we arrive. Those new GPS-tracking shoes for Dementia and Alzheimer patients are well worth the expense in situations like this. You’ll see.’ She sent up a silent prayer as Susan drove into the storm.
Ron met the two women at their car with an umbrella. He shouted updates as they scrambled across the parking lot and into the foyer of the nursing home. Inside, a young aide that Susan had recognized from her visit the previous week, greeted them with mugs of steaming coffee. Annie accepted hers with enthusiasm but felt a twinge of guilt when she heard Susan decline.
‘What happened? Who’s responsible?’ Susan demanded.
‘Please’, Ron soothed. ‘It doesn’t matter now who’s to blame. The important thing is that everyone is doing their best to find her.’
‘You’re right.’ Susan reached for the coffee that the aide was still holding out to her. She held the mug of steaming coffee between her hands but didn’t drink.
A man wearing a search and rescue uniform stepped toward the siblings. ‘Ms Cummings, I’m O’Malley. I’m in charge of the team. I’ve been here with your brother since late last night.’ He offered his hand.
Susan shook O’Malley’s hand and took a quick sip of coffee before speaking. ‘Call me Susan, please. Ron tells me you have people out looking for our mother. How far could she possibly get in this weather?’
‘We don’t know. It wasn’t until almost midnight that the situation had been fully realized.’
The space between Susan’s eyebrows creased. ‘What do you mean—”situation”?’
Ron replied for O’Malley. ‘Mum had evidently dressed in a hurry. Her slippers aren’t here and her GPS shoes are still under the bed. We think she may have followed someone else’s visitor or a member of staff out the front door around 9pm. With the rain, they would have been concentrating on getting to their vehicle. Being so late well…Who would think?’ He paused to wipe rainwater from his face.
‘Ms Cummings…Susan’, O’Malley spoke above the sudden clap of thunder. ‘We are almost certain she couldn’t have gotten very far but this constant rain has slowed us down’.
‘Ron called me at 11:15pm last night.’ She looked at her wristwatch. ‘It’s almost eight thirty. If she’s exposed to this weather much longer, she…’ Her words faded with the reality hitting Susan with a jolt. She handed the coffee to Annie with shaking hands. ‘Okay… O’Malley, what can we do? Where do we go from here?’
There was still no sign of their missing mother by the time the rain eased at midday when the siblings and Annie returned to swallow down coffee and sandwiches. While O’Malley was updating the family and his search team, a small bus loaded with local volunteers arrived. After quick handshakes all-round the meeting continued. Annie, Susan, and Ron had searched south along the main street questioning storeowners and shoppers. The search team had walked a few metres apart through an adjoining cornfield to the west and the vacant overgrown paddocks beyond, while O’Malley had conducted a search of outbuildings, laundry, and kitchen facilities at the nursing home. The night staff had been requested to report in with any information that may or not be related to the missing patient. O’Malley and a staff member also conducted interviews with a few patients who were with her shortly after seven last night. No clues or explanations were discovered. With directions for the original team to take a short break, eat, and get dry, the new team was given maps for the north and east of the nursing home.
Susan and Ron took off on foot to cover the area between the car park and where they started their search that morning. Annie stayed behind to help serve coffee to the morning’s search team.
An hour later Susan and Ron returned chilled and wet from another soaking downpour with no news that would help with the search. Other searchers returned in groups of two and threes over the next few hours—all quietly murmuring their disappointments but at least the rain had completely stopped.
Finally, Ron suggested to Susan that they drove around up and down every street and lane. He looked at his watch and then up at the clearing clouds. ‘She has to be somewhere. It’s been too long and you know how Mum doesn’t like standing for too long. Perhaps we’ll have more success now.’ His face suddenly paled. ‘There’s also the railway station.’ He grabbed Susan’s arm and led her to the parking lot with Annie close behind.
Just as they were putting on their seatbelts, the nurse’s aide approached the driver’s side window of the SUV with O’Malley. Ron pressed the down arrow switch to hear her better. ‘I think I found something that may help.’ She handed him a book opened at a page with a recent date at the top and stepped back.
Ron read from his mother’s diary. ‘I have to know for certain if my Harold went AWOL. If he has, I know where he could be. We often met at our secret place before he went to war.’
‘Why would Mum think Dad had gone AWOL?’ Susan asked.
‘I don’t remember Dad ever going AWOL, Susan. Obviously, she’s confused.’
Annie, who had been relatively quiet in the back seat, spoke up. ‘Isn’t there an old army storage unit around here?’
‘Well yes, but it’s almost three kilometres from here.’ O’Malley looked in the direction of the army base. ‘It seems a long way for an old woman to walk.’
‘When I was here a few months ago with Susan,’ Annie continued, ‘I remember their mother had an old newspaper clipping about the unit.’
‘You’re right.’ Susan gasped. ‘I wondered at the time why Mum had kept the article.’
‘Okay’. Ron took charge. ‘We’ll check the railway station on the way. If we can’t find her there, we’ll continue on to this army place.’ Ron swapped the diary with a folded map with O’Malley who had quickly circled a crossroad to the east.
O’Malley nodded. ‘I’ll grab some first aid gear and blankets and meet you at the Army storage unit.’
Ron thanked him and drove off.
At the railway station, Ron and Susan raced in opposite directions down the platform. It was silent and empty. ‘Let’s go! This is a waste of time’, Susan shouted to Ron who stood with his hands on his hips at the far end and gawking down the tracks that disappeared in the distance.
A clear starry sky abruptly brought the long day to a close when the three entered the old army storage unit with O’Malley and two military personnel. Within minutes they had found, huddled in a skeleton of a storage shed, their mother. She was cold and wet but uninjured. With her dirt-smeared face looking up at Susan, she apologized for ruining her slippers.
Susan knelt beside her mother. ‘That’s okay Mum, we know of the perfect pair to replace them with. Let’s go home.’
© Chrissy Siggee
Archived in: 🦋 Short Fiction
I have been saving since Covid lock-downs ended for just the right garden statue. Locally, the one I liked has been priced three times the amount it was before Covid. And yes, it was the exact item because they have not order any statues in since mid 202o. I have been disappointed with local garden shopping since Covid so I just kept putting a few dollars aside each week in hope.
Early last week, on our way to Kirra Beach just over the Queensland border, we visited Ballina’s Summerland Garden and Antique Centre which is often advertised on our local TV station. (Ballina is about four hours north from our home and about two hours south of our holiday destination) There we found five statues in a variety of similar styles and priced almost $300AUS cheaper than the one locally. We decided to think about which one while on holiday and purchase it on the way home. Which we did. We had named her Maid Marian before we bought her.
Maid Marian has been placed pretty much where I want her. We’ll let her settle in before I plant something in her flower pot.
Archived in: 🦋 I’m in the Garden
This post was created a few days ago and scheduled for today. By the time you read this we’ll be well on our way to Queensland for some warm sun, rest and relaxation.
This photo was taken on Tuesday. We picked the last of the spinach, beans, salad capsicums and peas for the season as well as some fresh tomatoes, early spring onions and a couple of chilies. And of course, fresh herbs. Norm did a quick dash to the store for some fresh beef mince to create a kind of taco meal. Leftovers were great too.
Archived in: 🦋 Down on the Farm
Most of us possess several gifts from our Heavenly Father, but are we making the most of them? We start each morning with great ambitions, but reminders of prior faults and inadequacies may cause us to neglect some gifts.
If we permit our failures to feed our disappointments, we cringe under their power. Moving onto other God-given gifts is a way of coping with disappointments—and you might just achieve great things in other fields.
The pleasure of receiving a gift from God can often be overtaken by a hidden dread. Fear and rejection take control and the gift is dismissed, allowing yesterday’s unfulfilled dreams to destroy today’s visions.
Some of the most influential men in the Bible came from humble beginnings. Incredibly these God-fearing men questioned their ability, seeking signs and wonders from God to reassure them. They were all called to serve God and yet they all had every reason to disregard their purpose.
I am reminded of Peter’s denial of Jesus (Matthew 26:75). Just imagine where today’s church would be had Peter focused on his failure. It changed his life forever, yes—but the choice he made determined not only his, but also the Church’s future!
Gideon protested his shortcomings to God. After all, he was the least of his family in the Manasseh clan (Judges 6:15). The Lord told Gideon to go in His strength, but he was still anxious that he wasn’t the man for the job. Only after some incredible signs, did Gideon respond to his calling. How easily Gideon’s weaknesses could have kept him from overcoming?
Moses also required signs from God. He insisted that he was a man of poor speech (Exodus 4:10) and received a stinging rebuke!
Later, Moses went to Pharaoh to warn him to heed God’s words. Imagine if he gave up after the first, second or even third attempt! Moses could have also allowed his past experience with Pharaoh to prevent him from achieving God’s purposes.
At times we need mind-changing experiences, but do we always need God to give us signs because of our disappointments and weaknesses? Many conceal a gift because of fear of failure or rejection. An unused or neglected gift from God becomes void of its function. The splendour of a gift is in its use.
Today can be the beginning of a courageous journey. Explore beyond your past into expectations and hope. It’s time to stop living in yesterday’s time zone and go forth today, into the promises of tomorrow.
© Chrissy Siggee
Archived in: 🦋 Christian Reads
Archived in: 🦋 Poetry Mix
Mum, you’re a wonderful mother.
So gentle, yet strong.
The many words you say show how much you care;
you always make me feel like I belong.
You’re patient when I’m foolish,
You give guidance when I ask.
It seems you can do almost anything,
You’re a master of every event and task.
You’re a dependable source of comfort.
You’re my cushion when I fall.
You help in times of trouble.
You support me whenever I call.
I love you more than you know.
You have my total respect.
If I had my choice of mothers,
you’d be the one I choose.
Poem by Amelia Siggee aged 10- May 2023
Archived in: 🦋 Children’s Corner
The heavy rains have finally gone and the April sunshine has arrived. Temperatures over the past week, after the wind eased, have been in the mid to high twenties. That’s Celsius. Saturday morning was a good day for enjoying the garden after just a little tidy up here and there. The corn has doubled in height in just a few weeks and the beans are finally flowering. Spring onions and leeks usually do well during Autumn so we planted seeds back in February and they seem to be thriving.
Our salad garden is still thriving with snack capsicums, tomatoes, lettuce and beetroot (out of photo). Spinach and silver-beet continue to grow all year although slow at times. We even have late season strawberries growing.
Archived in: 🦋 Down on the Farm
Despite rain bombs and a windy hail storm during the past few weeks, the Hibiscus shrubs are flowering in their pots in the front garden. We haven’t been able to do much work in the garden this past week due to wet weather and the more than usual medical appointments we have had with more to come. It’s been nice to return home each day to see colour in the garden.
Archived in: 🦋 I’m in the Garden
Matthew 26:42–46 records that Jesus prayed three times in the Garden of Gethsemane. Each time He expressed His willingness to obey His Father’s will. The garden is the place I meet with Him, talk to Him and listed to Him.
Jesus prayed in a garden: Matthew 26, wept in a garden: Luke 19:41, John 11:35. Jesus healed in a garden: Luke 22:51 and Jesus rose in a garden: Mark 16
One of my favourite hymns is about the garden: Author: C. Austin Miles
I come to the garden alone,
While the dew is still on the roses;
And the voice I hear, falling on my ear,
The Son of God discloses.
Refrain:
And He walks with me, and He talks with me,
And He tells me I am His own,
And the joy we share as we tarry there,
None other has ever known.
He speaks, and the sound of His voice
Is so sweet the birds hush their singing;
And the melody that He gave to me
Within my heart is ringing.(Refrain)
I’d stay in the garden with Him
Tho’ the night around me be falling;
But He bids me go; thro’ the voice of woe,
His voice to me is calling. (Refrain)
Archived in: 🦋 I’m in the Garden
We have had quite a bit of rain over the past few weeks including three days of rain bombs and wind. We discovered on Friday that we had a lot of water under our back verandah. Norm did some creative cutting and digging and spent a few hours playing in the mud.
With two trenches dug, the water finally started to flow out. It will probably take a week of warmer days before we can lay a couple of drainage pipes in the trenches and replace the turf.
The lawn is quite spongy still but we no longer have our own private mud bath. It’s draining away quite quickly and we have regained access to underneath. Fortunately, the only items we store under there are water containers which we had taken out earlier in the week to fill with rain water already collected in garden trugs. Note: there was no water under the house when we remove the containers.
The wind and rain came mostly from the south-west and came under the back awning. With the gaps in the deck paneling, the water went straight through. Over the weekend we also laid an outdoor vinyl matting along the back deck to lessen the amount of rain coming through.
We had already placed same from the back step to the back door and it has worked successfully. It won’t stop the rain completely but it should help in future weather storms. The trugs are overflowing again and although the rain has eased there’s no sign of sunshine. We have been repeatedly told that a drought is on it’s way… Those notifications have mysteriously disappeared from the TV news and local government notices.
Archived in: 🦋 I’m in the Garden
Sorry I have missed reading many posts made by those I follow over the past 5 days or so. We traveled to Sydney on the Wednesday before Easter to attend a grandparents day at our younger two granddaughters school on Thursday. Ella is the youngest and she and her first grade class made this card for all the grandparents which she helped hand out at the school concert with 3 other class mates. Amelia’s part in her 6th class and dance group was outstanding. The day finished with an Easter Hat Parade and an Easter raffle. Ella won one of the two large gift baskets and her dad cleaned up a number of smaller prizes. In all, it was a successful day.
We stayed with the family until Saturday. The girls kept us busy and entertained. Ella and Amelia are full of fun with a good pinch of mischievousness. Craft and table games were as usual favourite activities. We laughed a lot and thoroughly enjoyed our visit.
Archived in: 🦋 Children’s Corner
I’m conscious of Your love –
Your presence refreshes my soul.
Your glory floods my craving heart –
My spirit rises in joyful victory.
Every day I’m thankful –
Your grace is sufficient for me. – Amen
© Chrissy Siggee
Archived in: 
Christian Reads
Last week Norm and I spent a few days relaxing in Hunter Valley Wine Country. We didn’t take a lot of photos because we just wanted to enjoy our time away. We did take these three photos at Ivanhoe Winery. There’s better photos here: https://ivanhoewines.com.au/ – Click on ‘About’ then ‘Gallery’ on their website. It’s a stunning place.
We also visited Pokolbin Cider House where we tasted new varieties of cider before purchasing a six pack to take home.
Archived in: 🦋 Travel + Retirement
Our herbs are doing great. Some struggled through Summer’s high humidity and a few didn’t make it. Fortunately, I was able to purchase some replacement seedlings which I planted last week – third row on the right side. These are growing well. A few also grew to big for pots and were transplanted into the back ‘wild’ garden. The Autumn weather has been promising so far with less humidity and a few overnight showers.
Archived in: 🦋 Down on the Farm
In the depths of our hearts – a love so true
a bond unbreakable, my dear, it’s you.
Mum, you are the light that guides our way
though you may be gone, in our hearts you will stay.
***
In that vast world where you now reside;
a place unknown, where angels abide.
We wonder if we’ll see your face again,
our uncertainty lingers like a gentle refrain.
***
Yet, we find solace in knowing you are near,
watching over us with a love so clear.
Your gentle whispers are like an unseen breeze,
with comfort and peace to put our hearts at ease.
***
Though we yearn for the day we will again unite
in this earthly realm, or beyond the light,
we know our love for you will never fade,
and through the passage of time it will cascade.
***
Mum, we cherish the memories we hold,
the laughter, the tears, the stories untold.
You shaped our lives in ways we cannot express
and in our souls, your spirit finds its caress.
***
We love you, Mum. Forever we’ll proclaim!
Your spirit lives on, ablaze like a flame.
Though you may be gone, we’ll never part
for you’ll always reside within our hearts.
***
So, until the day we meet again
we’ll carry your love like a guiding pen.
You will forever remain in our thoughts and dreams
A cherished presence stitched into life’s seams.
Written by Sandra Siggee
Archived in: 🦋 Poetry Mix
The humidity and high temperatures have finally eased. Autumn has begun with good planting weather. Norm re-potted the Raspberry Bush that desperately needing a larger pot. It’s a little early but we needed to save it’s life.
Norm also put some of the skills he picked up at the gardening workshop we attended a few weeks ago.
While I planted corn seedlings next to the seeds I planted a few days ago.
Our garden has been a place where we can both enjoy.
Archived in: 🦋 Down on the Farm
Last week we had four days away in Coffs Harbour. We visited local places of interest and the Clog Barn but mostly we just lazed around the resort we stayed in.
On Wednesday we attended a workshop at Coffs Harbour Nursery. We learned a few new things about growing vegetables and herbs in pots as well as confirming ‘most’ of our knowledge was correct. Norm took notes.
Most of the time though we just lazed around. The room we stayed in was the ‘Presidential Suite’ and we were well spoiled. The suite would be easily than our whole house and land. It’s bathroom was huge and the large spa bath was used every day. The kitchen was spacious with plenty of room to cook together.
Archived in: 🦋 Travel + Retirement
The back corner of our yard has gone wild. Bottlebrush shrubs in large pots mostly grow here surrounded with native grasses. The red pot in this photo holds a Melaleuca. They can grow huge in Australia but this one is destined to be stunted by the size of it’s pot. Because the Bottlebrush is a short lived shrub the Melaleuca could be given a bigger pot in a year or two. 🙂
We have finally beheaded the last two giant Sunflowers. Since this photo was taken, they have been stripped of their seeds to be replanted and added to the bird feeders for the Corellas and the occasional pink Galahs that visit the garden.
Archived in: 🦋 I’m in the Garden
A camel that couldn’t blink,
had eyes that were yellowish pink
but being a smart fella,
he bought an umbrella
and married a lama in sync.
Archived in: 🦋 Poetry Mix
We love our garden, especially in the cooling late afternoons in Summer. Apologies for the missing photos. Media library ate them. 😉
Archived in: 🦋 I’m in the Garden
In pages worn and yellowed, tales of old,
I seek solace, where legends’ stories are told.
But amidst the myths and lures of the past,
I find myself yearning for something that will last.
***
I long to journey with you hand in hand,
To chase dreams, taking risks, across the land.
Together, we’ll seek the one who understands,
A companion, a soul, like the tales demand.
***
For in these ancient books, I find a yearning,
A desire for a connection, a heart’s true turning.
Someone to lean on, someone who will be,
The very embodiment of the tale’s decree.
***
Oh, bring me someone to turn to, to trust,
A person whose presence I’ll forever adjust.
A kindred spirit, a love that can’t be missed,
Something just like this, a love I insist.
***
So let’s write our own legend, you and I,
With words of passion, beneath the starry sky.
Together we’ll create a story so grand,
A tale of love, fate’s gentle guiding hand.
***
In this world of old books and fables untold,
Let’s weave a story, a love to unfold.
For I desire someone who’ll make my heart twist,
Someone like you, my dear, something just like this.
Written by Sandra Siggee
I love to brag about my grandchildren’s talents. Here is just another example.
This is a landscape oil painting by Amelia Siggee – aged 11.
Archived in: 🦋 Children’s Corner
It’s just the second year the Crepe Myrtle has flowered. This year it’s covered with blossoms ready to burst open. It’s rich colour adds vibrancy to the back garden attracting bees and birds like a magnet.
Archived in: 🦋 I’m in the Garden
I genuinely desire more time with You.
In Your presence, and by prayer and supplication, I will make my requests known to You.
You are infinite in holiness and power; I am sinful and weak.
I will continue to pray with assurance knowing the Father does all things well. – Amen
Chrissy Siggee – February 2024
Archived in: 🦋 Christian Reads
After a poor summer harvest and the heat killing off some normally thriving vegetables, we’re actually harvesting a few items such as Okra, capsicums, spinach and cherry tomatos. Strawberries have been lacking quantity and size but with cooling nights, some growth is making a difference.
It’s great to be back in the garden most mornings and in the cool of the evening but more rain is needed. This has been an extremely dry summer with showers a rarity of late.
Archived in: 🦋 Down on the Farm
My Home Australia
My home is where I belong –
It is not just a house but
it is who is with you.
My home is a beautiful place –
it may be small but
there’s nowhere else I want to go.
This is my home it is where
I was born and where
I will stay.
My home Australia is where
anyone is welcome
– with love.
Amelia Siggee (aged 11) – January 2024
Archived in: 🦋 Children’s Corner
Caught unawares, these two lorikeets are often in the garden. Here they are after a meal of wild-bird seed and fresh apple.
Other couples, notably their scaly-breasted cousins, join the union. I wonder if that’s the marriage celebrant over near the fence.
Archived in: 🦋 I’m in the Garden
silence captures a moment in time—
an owl sounds the close of day,
a hush falls over the darkening sky
and the world closes its eyes to sleep.
© Chrissy Siggee
From my book: Glimpses of His Glory
Under Copyright: https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/catalog/4537869
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Archived in: 🦋 Christian Reads
We have seen this blue tongue lizard often this week. I’m sure he’s made our garden his home.
The vegetable garden may look healthy but this hot summer is messing with producing our usually good harvests. Keeping water up is easy enough when the trugs are filled by heavy downpours of rain and hail but the ground is so dry within a few hours from the scorching heat that it is a never ending chore.
Archived in: 🦋 I’m in the Garden & 🦋 Down on the Farm
Happy New Year to all Riverside Peace followers. I have posted a few summer garden photos Norm and I have taken between Christmas and New Year while I give an update of where I’m at now and my 2024 plans.
I’ve been a little out of my normal routine since my total right knee replacement on November 2023. A whole new routine, mostly rehabilitation, has taken over. One thing I have return to is the garden – with limitations which is why I trained Norm.
I have been writing a little too and I plan to post at least one new poem and/or devotional post every month. I won’t promise more than this because I’m also taking on the huge challenge of learning to sign in 2024. At a few new followers request, I’ll be re-posting some my most popular poetry and short devotions from my book ‘Glimpses of His Glory’. I’ll add a few others from time to time as well.
The lorikeet above is a regular to our garden and especially loves the apples Norm tosses onto the lawn in the evening. I find the garden provides rest and relaxation.
These final 3 gallery photos show the cheeky sunflower that’s growing in our vegetable garden. It has grown above the back fence and follows the summer sun across the sky. It can be seen by everyone who drives by. I have also returned to river and other local walks. I’ll post these photos too each week.
Have a very happy and safe New Year and a healthy and blessed 2024.
Archived in: 🦋 I’m in the Garden
Archived in: 🦋 Poetry Mix
Day 18 Post Surgery: Stitches, or rather the one long stitch used for the 15cm wound, was removed late today. The surgeon is very happy with my recovery to date. No formal physiotherapy required but I do need to continue my current exercise routine which is mostly walking, step-work and pool exercise. One elbow crutch should still be used in some environments until January 24th after an X-ray and reviewed again by the surgeon. Until then, I’ll be taking precautions to not over do anything and just taking my time to fully recover. A more settled sleep pattern is a priority. No more sleeping flat on my back should help.
Everyone has been supportive and encouraging. Thank you.
I’m really hoping I can sit for longer at the computer too so I can write new poems and articles. It’s often uncomfortable as well as finding the time between my rehab routines.
Thanks for your patience. – Chrissy
Archived in: 🦋 Updates
Do you see the blue house at the top left corner of the image below? That’s our house. That’s our car leaving our little Avenue. Norm’s off to have a haircut. I’m on walk two of my three times a day walk of the Avenue before returning to the comfort of my soft bed to do my knee exercises. I walk about 150 metres. I was using using two elbow crutches until this morning. Now it’s just one.
Day 12 after surgery and day 8 at home. I’ve also started pool exercises this week which is so much easier and painless. The days a warm. I love summer. It’s the best season to be in the pool.
Not a good look but impressive.
Archived in: 🦋 Updates
Thanks to everyone who sent well wishes and love since my knee replacement surgery last Thursday, November 23rd.
The surgeon was so impressed with my progress that he sent me home after breakfast yesterday, Sunday November 26th. Pain and sleep management, although still not perfect, is easier now that I’m home.
I’m not up to writing much yet but I look forward to reading posts of those I follow.
Archived in: 🦋 Updates
In shadows of love, I once found solace,
But now I stand in heartbreak’s embrace.
A tale of betrayal, my soul left shattered
As love’s sweet melody turns bitter and tattered.
***
Once, your affection was a flame so bright,
But now it flickers, consumed by the night.
In disbelief, I watch our love erode
As secrets unravel, truths are now bestowed.
***
Tears stain my cheeks, a river of pain
For love’s betrayal leaves an eternal stain.
How could you wander, my heart’s trusted guide?
Into the arms of another, casting me aside?
***
The whispers of deceit, they cut so deep,
As trust crumbles, a wound that won’t sleep.
In the wreckage of love, I search for reasons
But find only echoes of love’s faded seasons.
***
Yet, through this heartbreak, I’ll rise anew,
Reclaiming my spirit, bidding love adieu.
For I deserve a love that’s pure, untamed,
Not one tainted by deceit falsely claimed.
***
So, I’ll heal the wounds, stitch up the pain,
Learn to love myself, and rise again.
Though scars may linger, I’ll find my way,
And let heartbreak’s darkness turn to brighter days.
***
For in the depths of loss, I’ll find my might
And from this heartbreak, I’ll take flight.
No longer bound by love’s treacherous game,
I’ll soar beyond the ashes, reclaiming my flame.
***
Written by Sandra Siggee
In just three days I hope to have my knee replacement surgery so I won’t be online for at least four days. I’ll try to talk Norm through submitting a quick update post sometime over the weekend when I’m feeling up to it but I hope to be out of bed and looking for something to do besides physiotherapy.
I have rescheduled a few archived posts from Riverside Peace for the following week which I hope you will enjoy again until I’m up to writing again.
If all goes well with surgery and recovery, I hope to be home as soon as I can manage both post-surgery pain and Canadian/forearm crutches. My ongoing recovery and physiotherapy plan can be then done at home.
Because I’m severely allergic to the usual, and unusual pain medications, my anesthetist and surgeon have been working on alternative pain relief especially the first 24 hours after the surgery. Please pray for the wisdom of the medical team and for me to work through those early days so I can return home. Thanks in advance.
See you soon.
Because we were traveling late on Sunday, I was unable to prepare photos for this week’s I’m in the Garden post. It’s been beautiful weather and very relaxing in the Hunter Valley NSW wine country. We’re mostly just taking a breather from all the appointments we have had of late and a rest before my surgery in just over a week away. I have managed to find a couple of photographs I took of the front garden on Sunday morning using my Samsung phone. I hope you like them.
The agapanthus will be in full bloom while we’re not there. The miniature blue agapanthus are usually a little slower in blooming. Probably because they are situated further to the left behind the shrubs.
Archived in: 🦋 I’m in the Garden
A few months ago, I think in July, I tried something new. I never thought it would actually grow.
In early October I planted it like this into a garden plot.
This is what it looks like now. I cut a few outer stalks that were bent and added it to a stir-fry for lunch.
Archived in: 🦋 Down on the Farm
It was brought to my attention a few days ago that we have several entries to our back garden. ‘Which entry do we use?’ they asked. I decided to photograph each entry. Maybe I will need to draw a map. 😉
Above and below is the east entry. The side of the house I call the boring side because leading to the grass-curved path is nothing but terracotta pots filled with struggling succulents along a very long gravel path.
Once you veer right you can follow the grass path to the back entry of the house and the outdoor kitchen and dining area. (below)
Or, you can veer left and take the southeast entry through the ‘farm’. Next photo.
Then there’s the entry through the carport into the outdoor kitchen and dining area. Oh. There’s also one directly from next door’s gravel path.
There’s the entry via the back steps. The entry I most often use.
But my favourite entry has to be through the arch to our ‘farm’.
Which entry will you take?
Archived in: 🦋 I’m in the Garden
100 Christmas Cards made. 35 are now ready to post. I’ve put aside 11 cards for our neighbours. Yes, there are 12 houses on our Avenue and we all see each other often and attend our monthly birthday street BBQ when we can. There’s plenty for friends at church and the Koala Hospital too. This year I decided on poinsettias as the theme. Every card is different. I’ll write in the local cards when I return home from the hospital in early December. I won’t be going anywhere much until I recover from my surgery.
Archived in: 🦋 Updates
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