Another fine day in the garden.

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A few little changes and wishing well looks like it’s been there for some time.
We lopped off the broad beans that stood high above the fence and stripped the beans off. Once we cleared the higher stalks we discovered a couple of shooters mid-way up the fence and many more closer to the soil. I won’t have to wait too long before I’ll be harvesting even more. I get the lot because Norm doesn’t like broad beans.
Everything is looking healthy. It shouldn’t be long before we see the Poinciana and Frangipani beginning to bud.

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Facelift and Iris Bloom

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  • 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.

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Spring is Coming

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Lettuce, cherry tomatos, snow peas, corn, butternut pumpkin and spinach seedlings planted. Some of the mature lettuce and spinach are still growing happily with leeks, garlic, and yes, that tall plant is giving me a serving of broad beans at least twice a week.
The days are mostly sunny and warm. Our night’s are still a bit chilly but I took the chance to plant a lot of herbs here and there in pots. Marjoram, basil, sage, thyme, rosemary, chives and more. We use a lot of herbs. Norm, when he cooks in on the BBQ or in the pizza oven. I use them when I cook in the kitchen.
Norm helped re-pot the verandah hanging plants into new and more colourful pots.

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Back into Lock-down

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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.

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A Visit to the Plantation.

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Waiting for the ferry
Down the track
heading home
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.

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Out of Lockdown but I’m still in the Garden.

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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.

I haven’t been in the front garden for almost 3 months. The Christmas Bushes are now re-potted.
Some trimming and deadheading has been done.
I re-arranged the gnomes and added a few small shrubs.
New solar lighting.
When I returned to the back garden, I discovered we had a visitor. As we near Spring, we’ll probably see more of these neighbours.

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First day in Lock-down at Home.

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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.

Before: Where’s Nemo?
After: and Nemo is still alive. Thanks to my neighbour who fed him while we were in lock-down in Sydney.

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The Smell of Death Lingers

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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

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Lockdown Update

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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.

The last photo we took before Dad was bedridden a few weeks ago.

With most of my photos on my desktop at home, I won’t be able to add more until we return home..

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Lock down

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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

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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.

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Sunshine in the Garden

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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

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We’re at it again…

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There’s always something to do in the garden. Here Norm prepares the middle veggie plot for lettuce at the front and butternut pumpkin at the back.
The Poinciana tree gets it’s forever pot. Re-potting it once is enough. Were not getting any younger. Yeah, it’s on a lean but when it settles, it most likely lean the other way. There’s no way it can be moved now.
First time bloomers.
After a blowy wet few hours, the sky turned beautiful again and the sun shone.

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Autumn almost over…

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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.

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Cruise time

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With the floods receded and the weather beautiful, we decided to take a dolphin sighting cruise.
My dear friend, Lyn at The Call of the Pen is visiting for a few days.
To our surprise, we were the only ones on the dining room level of the boat until lunch. There were only a few small groups in other areas. At a quick count, there was probably only a dozen on board. No problem here with Social distancing.
Some of the debris from the floods are still coming down river.
Many of these prestige homes were under water to at least first floor just a few weeks ago.

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After the Rain

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Our drainage problem last year has certainly been fixed.
No more sinking ankle deep in mud and slush.
Everything is green and flourishing.
Changes here and there. Finding just the right spot in the garden for this and that.
Our latest addition to a plain corner.
I love the sound of running water.
A few empty pots ready for an Autumn annual or two..
A view from the BBQ area
and one from the corner seat.
Something in every nook and cranny to make it just right.
We finally found a water feature that’s different and doesn’t feel over whelming. Do you like it?

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Summer Garden

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Bottle Brush bush weighed down with it’s first season’s bloom.
Sunny places to sit and wander.
The sun shines on the bird bath making it glisten.
We’ve had a lot of rain. This time last year we were in a drought. When the drought broke the lawn turned into a marsh land but the drainage our son put in back in August 2020 is working perfectly. https://riversidepeace.com/2020/08/19/more-activity-in-the-yard/ Gumboots no longer required. 🙂
Still planting and harvesting.
It’s amazing to think this was our backyard in January 2020.

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Goodbye, My Friend

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It’s not really a final goodbye, my friend

because I know I’ll see you again.

The times we spent together,

cried and laughed

I will cherish always.

/

It’s all right now for you to go, my friend

because your many years of pain are over.

Those times we prayed together,

joy and sorrow

I will cherish always.

/

It’s time for you to be at peace, my friend

because we shared a secret or two.

The chats we often shared,

together and apart

I will cherish always.

/

It’s not the many years, my friend

because I could always count on you.

Those times I will think of you,

today and tomorrow

I will cherish always.

/

It’s the beyond tomorrow, my friend

because you will be here, in my heart.

The tears will come and go,

sadness and joy

I will cherish… always.

Poem by Chrissy Siggee

In memory of my dear friend Betty who went home to Jesus on Monday December 14th 2020.

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A Summertime Christmas

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I see a lot of winter Christmas posts and they’re all wonderful but I thought some photos of a summer Christmas needs to be shared.

It’s our 2nd Christmas at our new home but because we only moved in a few weeks before Christmas last year we didn’t decorate much.
Simple decorations in a little house can look good too.
Poinsettias are common here too.
Outdoors is where you will find us most days.

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In the trees

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But up here it’s amazing.
Sometimes we just wanted to stay awhile.
Amazing trees. Huge and very old.
Now that’s a big tree. We were close to the end of the walkway and close to the ground. We couldn’t see the top of this one.
The base of this one wouldn’t fit into the camera viewer.
We could hear the roaring of the waves of a nearby beach.

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Photos by Norm Siggee

Mathematics and the Cheese Board

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While we were visiting Timbertown a few weeks ago, Norm and I spent some time looking at items made by a local wood craftsman. I mentioned to Norm that I would love a large cheese board but we found nothing that I liked or big enough. Norm said he could try and make one. This seemed a good idea because now that he’s retired he is often looking for something to do but this was not one of his academic projects. We were given the phone number of the suppler who invited us to his property to view his huge shed full of all his wood. Well, I fell in love with some beautiful pieces but they were much too big. We were able to take one home to see if would work but we returned it because it was too much work for Norm who had never attempted anything like this. As you can see all his measurements and calculations went out the window.

Then it was sanded and lacquered on both sides. This took another four days. In the meantime, Norm cooked meals outside on the BBQ or in the pizza oven.
The final look.

Not bad for an academic’s first handyman project except I still need a cheese board.

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Three days in Coffs Harbour

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We took a few days away to visit some of our favourite places and new places too. One of our favourites is the Butterfly House.

Another favourite is The Clog Barn and the miniature Dutch village.
Clogs are made and sold on the premises. I couldn’t resist the photo with the eastern water dragon that likes to sunbathe or take a shot cuts over the houses.
Day 2 we drove up to the sky pier that gives a panoramic view of Coffs Harbour.
As you can see, Norm had charge of the camera. We were the only ones on the sky pier. We then headed for the break water.
At the end of the breakwater we decided to continue the 2 kilometer/ approximately 1 1/4 miles UP 40 metres/ approx 130 feet above sea level to the to of Muttonbird Island.
Views from half way point. Zoomed in of course.
Yes, way up there is where we went.
While walking the break wall we booked a table for lunch. I had a fresh tuna steak with an amazing salad and Norm had roast duck. We both decided on this Mango cheese cake for dessert. It’s so good for a gluten free dessert.
Day 3 we visited the botanical gardens.
We walked several paths and board walks during the hour we were there.

My apologies if the photos are out of a alignment. I haven’t got these new WordPress changes worked out yet.

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Old Timbertown

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A day’s outing took us to Old Timbertown in Wauchope. With the school holidays over it was a quieter day with very few visitors. Just the way we prefer it. It was nice to wander around with no itinerary.

This is Honey, a young Llama with plenty of freedom to roam the town.
A draft horse being hitched on to a wagon. We didn’t hear the name .
The steam engine is powered by timber from the saw mill.
We couldn’t resist a ride.
Magic, another draft horse.
mmm…. it was tempting to leave him there. 🙂
An old steam tractor looking sad.

We bought a few bottles of Timbertown’s red wine and a carved fruit bowl from one of the merchants. The blacksmith was just tinkering but was fascinating just the same. Stepping back in time for a day into the late eighteen hundreds and it’s slow life style made for an interesting day.

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