Presented by Principal Air Chaplain Australian Air Force – Mark Willis
Archived in: 🦋 Retirement
Commendation Award
Presented by Principal Air Chaplain Australian Air Force – Mark Willis
Presented by Principal Air Chaplain Australian Air Force – Mark Willis
There’s Shed Projects & There’s Shed Projects
Archived in: I’m in the Garden
Golden Sunset Arch
We were so busy watching a beautiful sunset that we almost missed the golden reflections in the garden.
New house rule: Unless we take the camera with us out of the house, it stays in readiness near the back door.
Archived in: 🦋 I’m in the Garden
Bird Watching
These two Rosellas have visited the past four evenings. I think they just might be regulars now. I’ve been so looking forward to photographing birds in the garden.
Photos by Norm & Chrissy Siggee.
Archived in: I’m in the Garden
Misty, hazy days
Too much rain lately but the heat is still causing growth in all areas of the garden. Pumpkin vines are weaving their long arms around and between the vegetable plots. Yesterday afternoon the air was steamy creating a haze throughout the garden. The new arch is beginning to blend into the back and foregrounds of a lot of the photos.
The Poinciana has finally come out of it’s winter’s rest. It’s branches are thickening up after it’s 2nd year in our garden pots. We won’t be re-potting again. I think this one will be big enough. 🙂
Archived in: I’m in the Garden
Finally found…
After two years of creating our garden, we finally found the perfect arch.
While taking a photos of the arch something caught my attention.
I have been waiting for a year and a half for birds to come in to the garden. We sometimes had minor birds that we would shoo away but at long last the bird feeder is finally being visited. 🙂 I’m so happy.
Archived in: I’m in the Garden
Giants in the garden.
We returned after almost a week of traveling and catching up with family after the long Covid-19 lock-downs to find the rain, sunshine and the heat had created giant blooms in the back garden. The vegetables, well I forgot to photograph those beauties. We had enough greens for us and most of the neighbours.
Archived in: I’m in the Garden
Not all work…
After spending a few days delivering Dad’s estate items to family members and visiting some of our adorable grandchildren, we decided to stay overnight at one of our favourite destinations before returning home with an empty trailer.
After checking in at the resort in the Hunter Valley, we headed to Harrigan’s Irish Pub where the food is delicious and the chef is willing to adjust a recipe for my allergies.
On our return to the resort, we changed our footwear and went for a walk to burn off some of the calories. Photos- a joint effort by Norm & Chrissy
We came across a park bench seat where we enjoyed the same view as a pair of ducks who hardly moved the whole time we sat.
After a comfortable night and a light breakfast we drove the remaining 3 hours home.
Archived in: Retirement
Welcome Back Mumma
Archived in: I’m in the Garden
Random Photos of the Locals
Archived in: Retirement
Watching the Pork Roasting
There’s an app for everything. Even watching the pork roast. mmm…I think it’s more to do with right foreground.
Archived in: Retirement
Down on the Farm #1
and a new blog category.
Archived in: 🦋 Down on the Farm
Don’t worry, beach happy.
balancing act 
ship ahoy 
beachcombing 
yes, I do take selfies…sort of. 
surf life savers hard at work 
a few surf swimmers about 
smooth wet sand 
a collection on pebbles and shells 
sorted and saved a few beauties
This is Rainbow Beach. A beach teeming with shells and pebbles of different colours – probably how it got it’s name. It’s a beautiful day to be able to roam in spring. We love beachcombing. While re-hydrating with a cool bottle of water and nibbled on a finger-food lunch we sorted through our finds tossing many back into the surf or onto the sand. Oh, and in case you’re wondering, we didn’t do any stone stacking.
Archived in: Retirement
Down on the Farm
This week we harvested snap peas, broad beans, spinach, spring onions and 4 types of lettuce: Butter-Head, Red-Leaf, Loose-Leaf and Little Gem.
Yesterday Norm experimented with pizzas on his new outdoor cooker/BBQ. However, our new friends and alfresco dinner guests were totally surprised by the taste. Norm has always been often called “Normando” the pizza man. I was able to make up a beautiful green salad with item mostly from the garden.
Archived in: 🦋 Down on the Farm
After the Rain
Archived in: I’m in the Garden
Alfresco Kitchen/Diner Completed.
Archived in: I’m in the Garden & Retirement
A Workable Area
With the Alfresco going in I won’t be able to make muddy messes under the awning. I needed a workable area that didn’t leave so much mess after re-potting and a place closer to the garden too.
Archived in: I’m in the Garden
More Alfresco Planning.
To follow on from the post a few days ago, we spent this morning fertilizing the lawn and painting items for the garden and Alfresco area.
Only the strawberry pot and the pedestal will remain where they are now. The 2 large white pots and the blue pots will be relocated to the tiled area.
Archived in: I’m in the Garden
A Bargain and another Snap Lock-down.
We found these 2 black concrete pots on Gumtree, a local online market place similar to eBay. They were just $10AUS each. While waiting for the tiling to be completed we spent our time stripping the layers of old paint, sealed and painted them white. When the alfresco kitchen/dining is completed I’ll post update photos. Update: We have gone back into a snap lock-down. Our tiler can only do emergencies. Again we wait.
Archived in: I’m in the Garden, Retirement
El Fresco Development Begins
Archived in: I’m in the Garden & Retirement
Our Mini Farm – Established
Archived in: 🦋 Down on the Farm
Norm’s got worms.
Norm’s worm farm has produced enough fertilizer to keep the garden well fed since we first planted seeds and seedlings into polystyrene banana boxes early last year. Today, after a good flush out I was able to fertilize all the vegetables and herbs in the plots and pots. Norm’s worms are thriving and so is the garden.
Archived in: 🦋 Down on the Farm
Spring Planting
Archived in: I’m in the Garden
My Blooming Garden.
These next photos were taken in August 2020.
Archived in: I’m in the Garden
Another fine day in the garden.
Archived in: I’m in the Garden
Facelift and Iris Bloom
Garden Shed facelift 
Just a little project
Standing very tall 
First Iris for the season
I’m thinking of putting in a Wisteria vine on the right side of the shed too where the love seat is.
This isn’t the iris that bloomed last year so I’m hoping that at least two out of the three bulbs I planted will flower this year.
Archived in: I’m in the Garden
Spring is Coming
Archived in: I’m in the Garden
Back into Lock-down
We have some very dear family and friends who live in Sydney and surrounding suburbs and we know there are thousands more residents who do the right thing. BUT, thanks to the inconsiderate Covid positive people in Sydney who defied N.S.W. Health orders they put their neighbours, nursing home residents and schools at risk.
Sydney has had council areas under lock-down that came into force while I was at my dad’s bedside vigil which extended into other council areas and suburbs. (see Covid Lock-downs Because of these inconsiderate people leaving their restricted zones, taking their positive test results and selfish attitudes to regional and outback N.S.W., just to avoid their “stay at home” orders, has left residents in vulnerable places with the Covid-19 and the Covid-Delta strains.
I honestly believe that anyone, of any age, should not only be fined but arrested for man-slaughter for all those they infected and subsequently died of the virus; just like arsonists who consequently kill someone. It breaks my heart to think of those close to us, and of those we have never met, will be affected by these senseless acts.
My love and prayers go out to those innocent residents of N.S.W. and the whole of Australia, that they will be kept under the shadow of the Almighty.
To my followers and friends all round the world, you are not forgotten in these prayers.
Let me finish with the words of Apostle Paul in Ephesians 5:15-16 (NIV)
“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”
Be safe everyone and don’t give up. God bless you all.
Love, Chrissy.
Archived in: Announcements
A Sunny Day in the Garden
Relaxing 
Among the pansies 
First pond flower 
Climbing rose is still flowering.
She’s back 
Gnomes sunning
Archived in: I’m in the Garden
A Visit to the Plantation.
Yesterday, I went with Norm to the Koala Hospital tree plantation where we grown, not only local food trees but trees for koalas who come in to the hospital some distance away in other home ranges. Norm usually does one day a week at the plantation under the guidence of the manager. The plantation not only has acres of very old trees but also rows and rows of trees from seedlings, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 year old. There we pruned dead wood and new shoots that will choked healthier limbs to encourage growth at the lower part of the tree so leaf collectors can’t climb. The plantation is where most of the source of fresh leaf is collected every morning of the year for the ICU, rehabilitating and the permanant koalas that cannot be released into the wild because of blindness, severe injuries and organ damaged caused by diseases among other health issues. It was a beautiful sunny morning without being to hot. I hope to learn more from the manager, and Norm, about the different species of gum trees so I can recognise which leaf is which when I feed the koalas. We try and give the koalas 3 varieties every day but those special change slightly each day. The trip over to the north shore of the river is quite a pleasant drive. I hope to take more photos of the fauna and flora in the area next time.
Archived in: Retirement
Out of Lockdown but I’m still in the Garden.
Most things are back to fairly normal. Regional N.S.W. residents are still on alert and wearing masks away from home. I have returned to the Koala Hospital which makes a big difference to my routine again.
Archived in: I’m in the Garden
Small Projects in the Garden.
Archived in: I’m in the Garden
Thank You Cards
One nice thing about lock-downs, there’s always time for indoor crafts and activities.
Instead of ordering bulk all-the-same Thank You cards, I decided to make them. Even the similar cards a slightly different but they are more suitable for postage.
Archived in: Retirement
End of Week One in Lock-Down at Home.
Best news is that we have had two Covid tests to date and both of us have received Negative results. One more week and one more negative test result before leaving lock-down.
Some hidden gems I found in the garden while occupying the hours.
Archived in: I’m in the Garden
First day in Lock-down at Home.
We are finally home. Over the next two weeks of lock-down and at least 2 more negative Covid tests we’ll have plenty to keep us busy in the back garden and indoors. The fish pond was my first project.
Archived in: I’m in the Garden
The Smell of Death Lingers
The Smell of Death Lingers The smell of death lingers – It lingers in the bedroom and in the dining room. But, in the garden it grasps the essence of life— Even the weeds share their aroma. The smell of death lingers— Odours cannot be shaken it's everywhere I go. But, in the garden it grasps the essence of life— Even the weeds share their aroma. The smell of death lingers— It lingers on my clothing every breath smothers me. But, in the garden it grasps the essence of life— Even the weeds share their aroma. The smell of death lingers— Until life yields into death to finds its final path. And, in the garden it grasps the essence of life— Even the weeds share their aroma. Chrissy Siggee July 2021
Archived in: Poetry Mix
Lockdown Update
My dad passed away just after 2am yesterday, Saturday July 10th. The on duty RN was able to alert me in time for me to sit with him until he was gone. I didn’t have any sleep before or after, so I was exhausted by the time the undertakers left a 9.30am. With this horrid lockdown there will be just three plus the celebrant at the graveside funeral. Norm, myself and our son Ken, who lives within the lockdown boundaries, and where we’ll stay until we head home – outside the lockdown area. If the lockdown is just for another two weeks we’ll remain in the Sydney lockdown. If it’s for a longer period as they have predicted we’ll head home under the Covid rules at that time, including a self isolation in our own home and Covid tests. It’s difficult to plan anything beyond a day or two at a time with restrictions changing at short notice.
With most of my photos on my desktop at home, I won’t be able to add more until we return home..
Archived in: Announcements
Lock down
While visiting my dad yesterday, (a Saturday here) the Premier of NSW announced a total lockdown for two weeks beginning 6pm. I decided I wouldn’t risk leaving the nursing home to return to our son’s home for my clothes, medications and, of course, my laptop in case I was turned away after the 80 minute round trip. And, I was right. But, God was good and within half an hour, and before Norm arrived at our son’s home, the nursing home manager phoned me. With Dad the way he is, and us not at all local, I was allocated a room near Dad’s for the length of the lockdown if needed. Norm was not given the same but he’s been honoured the role of delivery boy so he can regularly drop off gluten free foods and necessities. I probably could get a few meals here but they don’t have anything for my allergy diet. With our second Covid vax due this coming week, we’ll have to have it locally. However, I need some approval from the NSW Health to allow me to return to the nursing home after the vaccination as no visitors are allowed in except for special cases approved in special circumstances.
Now, I guarantee that you will only hear the media report all the bad stuff about the Covid restrictions but I for one so much appreciated the management and staff of this nursing home.
Be safe everyone.
Heads Up
Norm and I will be at my dad’s bedside for a few days by the time most of my loyal followers read this post. We came home late Sunday to prepare for our next trip down there but it’s been a much more hastier return than expected. It’s about a five hour road trip with a couple of comfort breaks. We’ll be staying somewhere within easy travel for long day visits and/or overnighters before the inevitable.
This photo was taken on the weekend. I’m not sure who was the happiest to see who. I know Dad was thrilled to see these two of his nine great grandchildren and almost cried.
I’ll have my laptop with me and I look forward to reading your new posts as time allows but I have just pre-schedule my posts until some normality returns.
Archived in: Announcements
Sunshine in the Garden
Finally the clouds have blown away and although still only 17C, the sun is a very welcome visitor to the garden at this time of the year.
First time in bloom 
Frangipani 
Bottle Brush early blooms 
Love the purple 
New vine is still alive 
Purple Blooms 
White Calystegia sepiumbell vine 
Flowering succulent 
Climbing white rose still blooming 
Bulbs breaking through 
Flowering succulent 
Grevillea Front garden 
Front garden dressed in purple and blues
Archived in: I’m in the Garden
Garden Takeover
In the morning mist, I spy new residents have moved in.
Fairies and gnomes
in the shelter of our new garden pot.
Archived in: I’m in the Garden
We’re at it again…
Archived in: I’m in the Garden
Morning Walk
I hope you enjoy some of the animals I met on one of my morning walks this past week.
Archived in: 🦋 Retirement
Best Seat for Breakfast
The breakfast table 
even in the cooler months 
with winter blooms 
is still my favourite place to sit.
Archived in: I’m in the Garden
Autumn almost over…
Here it is almost the end of Autumn and the garden is still flourishing. The Poinciana and Frangipani have only just begun to loose their leaves but with shadows creeping over the garden earlier every day, they’ll be bare soon enough.
We’re still harvesting the early 2020 spinach and cherry tomatos are having a final spurt of flowers. Cucumber, lettuce and small capsicums will probably die off once the winter claims all sun from the back yard. I’m looking forward to June to prepare the soil again for new seedlings.
Archived in: I’m in the Garden
Wine – HAIKU
dry, smooth - woody hints fruity, sweet, classic and bold wine - time perfect
Archived in: Just HAIKU
Cruise time
Archived in: 🦋 Retirement
Wet Mumma
Archived in: I’m in the Garden
Country Air – HAIKU
Archived in: Just HAIKU
Riverside Peace (the poem)
There’s something about a river
that draws me to its side
Effortlessly advancing
toward a lake or sea.
With an abundance of freshness
it’s filled with life and health
Uninterrupted flowing
beyond the distant fields.
From gentle humble beginnings
– a fact of life itself
Amazingly appealing
amid a lonely past.
Whispers of the river embrace
the peace renews my mind
Majestically embracing
yonder pathways I see.
© Chrissy Siggee
Archived in: 🦋 Poetry Mix
Riverside Peace 
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