Archived in: 🦋 Retirement
Photos by Norm Siggee
In the trees
An afternoon just enjoying the garden.
Garden Flourishing
Archived in: 🦋 Down on the Farm
Mathematics and the Cheese Board
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.
Not bad for an academic’s first handyman project except I still need a cheese board.
Archived in: 🦋 Retirement
Three days in Coffs Harbour
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.
My apologies if the photos are out of a alignment. I haven’t got these new WordPress changes worked out yet.
Archived in: 🦋 Retirement
Old Timbertown
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.
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.
Archived in: 🦋 Retirement
It’s that time of year again!
oops. A little blurred but you can see that I’m making Christmas cards. I’m also making January Birthday cards.
Some finished. Others I need more craft material. Our local craft store has closed temporary because their stock is sitting on the wharf in Sydney where the dock workers are having a strike. Ebay may be my only hope to finish them in time for Christmas mail out.
Archived in: Retirement
Memories
Some not so great and some tougher memories of 2020.
Drought
Water restrictions
Broken pipes
Broken garden tools
New plantings during Covid19 lockdown
New plans
Painting
Compost making
Finding new hobbies through a Covid19 winter
Archived in: 🦋 Retirement
A day in the garden…Saturday.
We started the day by visiting a couple of nurseries.
This rose was perfect. (our son is a bush fire fighter)
Shortly after we returned home we received visitors into the garden
but they decided to go next door when they saw we were busy. 😉
I actually bought two Fire Fighter Red roses.
The other one we’ll give to our son.
We also bought this white climbing rose called Iceberg.
I took a few pics of new blooms and garden features.
Covid has slowed up a garden arch order from Western Australia. It could be months before it’s delivered so we bought a cheap one so we could continue our garden plans.
More pics.
We took a rest at the end of the path to take more pics and imagine what else we could do.
I then checked if the gnomes were home…
…and if Mitzi was still hanging around.
Thanks for stopping by.
We hope to have another day in the garden soon.
Archived in: I’m in the Garden by Chrissy for Riverside Peace
Firsts in the garden.
The weather has been enjoyably sunny but rain would be nice.
Archived in: I’m in the Garden
Before and After
My first photos of the backyard after we moved in. December 12th 2019.
And the most recent photos. September 2020.
In just 9 months and a lot of hard work, I think we have done OK.
Granddaughter’s first Limerick
Once there was a boy named Louie,
who picks his nose and speaks phooey.
So, don’t EVER touch sticky bits of glue
or at night you will turn blue
and wake up feeling fluey.
by Amelia Siggee aged 7 – 2020
Archived in: 🦋 Children’s Corner
A Flea Called Maureen
There once was a flea called Maureen,
lived a laid-back life of a queen.
She survived on a government grant,
which occurred to her as a song and dance,
After-all, she was only eighteen.
Chrissy Siggee 2020
Archived in Poetry Mix
A Prince Called Dylan
There once was a prince called Dylan,
who was known as a bit of a villain.
He would never wash his hands
after a feeding on smelly clams,
so his doctor ordered him to take penicillin.
Chrissy Siggee 2020
Archived in: 🦋 Poetry Mix
Garden Additions
Norm is connecting with the garden and adding his imagination and creations.
I’ve read that dark fences do not make gardens look smaller but rather enhance the garden. I think they’re right.
Do you see the additional Australian baby animals?
A view from the garden seat.
and a view from the bottom of the steps.
Last week we created a strawberry tower together and added a few local finds to the garden.
Norm is getting involved with his own additions.
It’s all looking good.
Archived in:
Vegetable garden take over.
Retirement finally. First week at home and the garden plots became a reality.
It’s an amazing transformation.
The broad beans were left in their boxes so as not to disturb the roots.
I’ll be having a serving of my favourite green vegetables soon.
Seedlings in the centre garden are starting well.
The transplanted spinach and lettuce have been sampled already this past week.
The brussel sprouts continue to thrive in their box and potatoes are growing well too.
Archived in:
A Man called Matt
There once was a man called Matt,
who wore an astonishing hat.
He found himself lost on vacation,
in an Australian outback location
and fell into a hole of a kangaroo-rat.
Chrissy Siggee 2020
Archived in: 🦋 Poetry Mix
Death of Publisher
Thank you to the followers that notified me that the three links to my book ordering pages aren’t working. I checked yesterday and today and finally sent emails to my contact only to receive a message back that Skoobebooks is no longer trading due to the sad death of Keith Plunkett, the man who has been my biggest supporter since 2012.
I sent emails to two separate email addresses and only received the one reply. Keith assured me numerous times over the years that all records were saved appropriately if a situation arose and I would be contacted.
Not knowing when Keith died, all I can do is wait. I apologise for any inconvenience. I will keep looking for details of another contact I had when Keith had time off.
Chrissy
Vegetable plots in…
We transplanted the pot-bound vegetables into plot number one. (counting right to left. The brussel sprouts and extra broad beans will probably stay in the confines of the polystyrene boxes until they have finished for the season.
The morning sun has finally found the courtyard. Winter is almost over for 2020. I looked back up the newly paved path and drain with the morning sun behind me.
Many thanks to our son Ken for his expertise and honed skills with drainage and landscaping. Thanks also for being a wonderful and caring son. KMAS Property Maintenance & Landscaping
Archived in:🦋 Down on the Farm
Desperate Decisions
He gazed upward to the stars
counting sadness and his woes—
Deep wrinkles creased his brow,
he stands alone and ponders life.
It took one selfish moment
for his wealth to slip away—
Gambling is a fool’s game,
he wonders how he can regain.
Not one dollar he had left.
No income, no means to pay—
His house and car are gone,
He contemplates to end his life.
His wife, his son — he failed.
Nothing left to support them—
Life is not worth living!
He stepped out into the traffic…
Horns blast
Tyres skid
Thud
He stares upward into lights
muffled voices all around—
Deep wrinkles crossed his brow,
he marvels why he’s still alive.
It took one thoughtful moment…
Why would strangers save his life?
Two strong hands pulled him back,
he tried to rub a sore behind.
“Sir, not one bone did you break.
You hit the grass — not the truck—
There’s two people you should thank
and give them the trust they deserve.”
Wife and son approached his bed.
“Why did you return?” he asked—
“My debts won’t go away!”
He couldn’t bear to hurt them more.
Tears flowed
Misery
Dread
He gazed upward into hope
given now a second chance—
Deep wrinkles shaped his brow,
he reaches out and asks for help.
It took a year of meetings
learning how to take control—
Took years to pay his debts;
he found a job and stuck with it.
Desperate decisions made
difficult times they endured—
Early starts, long night shifts,
he finally forgave himself.
His wife and son stood by him,
nothing fancy they could own—
Probably never will.
But what they have is worth far more.
True love
Forgiveness
Trust
© Chrissy Siggee
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental
Archived in: 🦋 Poetry Mix
Another busy day in the garden
More activity in the yard.
With the pebbles in place, the topsoil for the new turf came next. The large pots were re-positioned. The windmill and gonna relocated.
Top soiled leveled.
The yard slowly transformed.
A few more ornaments appeared. The turf arrived mid-afternoon.
Looking good.
Tomorrow we’ll finish trimming and tidying up. Next weekend the rear storm water pit will be filled with gravel and then topped with matching pebbles before the above-ground vegetable garden plots can begin.
Archived in: I’m in the Garden by Chrissy for Riverside Peace
Let the work begin!
Since early yesterday morning, the backyard has been turned into a huge construction site. This corner almost didn’t survive either.
Wheelbarrow loads of sand managed to soak up some of the water so the workers could continue.
and I was surprised when this small paved footpath emerged.
I think I have seen the last of the drainage problems here. This morning the yard began to transform.
Defined edges began to emerge.
River pebbles were carted from the trailer in wheelbarrows.
Permanent pavers for the large pots and the garden seat were set in place.
Tomorrow… topsoil and turf will arrive to complete the job.I will post more photos as soon as I can. I can’t believe it’s almost completed.
Winter blues and moods.
There hasn’t been much work done in the garden since the rains came and winter cast it’s shadow over the backyard. Yes, it’s starting to look like a garden but what lies beneath is a soggy mess.
The deciduous potted trees and plants are doing there job allowing the strip of sunshine through to the veggies around mid morning. I think most of the plants and shrubs are located somewhat in the best positions for future seasons but at least pots can be relocated if needed.
The long timbered area at the back is a council requirement for rainwater overflow. However, with no drainage or a good foundation under the lawn, the sump only drains the water away from the inside. Any excess water builds up under the turf and during and after heavy rains, well you can see the water line where the backyard floods.
The only things immediately under the turf are mud and pipes. No preparation was done before the turf was placed straight over the top. Norm and I have started on the worst areas and just placed pavers around so I don’t sink ankle-deep in mud. We have been spending warmer days in the undercover areas where we’re able to create a restful oasis or two.
We have plans for a complete removal of the current turf to install a proper foundation of ag pipes, gravel, and soil to raise the whole yard with gentle slopes toward new drainage along the rear. THEN, we can finish the main garden area.
A Flea called Heather
There once was a flea called Heather,
who really felt under the weather.
She went to see her pharmacist,
– known to most as a romanticist
and now they are living together.
Chrissy Siggee 2020
Archived in: 🦋 Poetry Mix
Pavlova and smiles
In response to dVerse’s Birthday Haibun Challenge
dVerse Poets Pub
With the semi-retirement of my husband also came poorer health for me and I wasn’t looking forward to my 60th birthday. Being the wife of a military man has been a good life but it also brings family separations especially with our children who are now grown up and married with their own. Across states and interstate, I thought the misery of another birthday without my family would drown me in sorrow.
To my delight we all met up in the Hunter Valley, New South Wales – winery country, less than an hour from our daughter’s family home. Our son and his family stayed in the adjoining cabin to ours. Physical pain on our four-hour road trip threatened to ruin plans for a lovely weekend but with the sun bursting through the clouds on arrival and seeing family, filled me with warmth and joy.
I don’t remember much of the weekend but the joy and smiles from our four grandchildren will forever stay in my memory just as the cream and fruit oozed from the birthday pavlova they helped decorate.
joy and smiles to share
lifting a winter of pain
creamy dribbles flow
Chrissy Siggee August 7th 2020 (Sydney time)
Gnome Matter What…
This little guy was left on our front porch early Sunday morning. Below the photo you can read the tale behind the gnomes in our little street.
When we first moved into our new little home in December 2019, we found most of the neighbours to be a friendly bunch. A few stopped by to comment on my garden gnomes which were still standing in a group on the edge of the garden awaiting to be placed in their new home. We all had a story about how our gnomes came about.
This little street apparently has mystery gnomes that appear here and there, in other gardens or on peoples door steps. One poor gnome is known to be found laying on the road after Saturday night parties.
I thought nothing more about the gnome tales until I opened our front door on Sunday morning just past. I thought immediately of who the culprit might be but wasn’t completely sure. Sure enough, later in the day the suspect neighbour was walking her dog down the street and I asked her if she knew anything about our gnomely visitor. With a laugh she told me that because of the Covid restrictions, the gnomes had been staying in self quarantine. While doing the right thing they gave each other a complete makeover and repaint ready to play. I wasn’t the only one to have a visitor and he’ll probably go home of his own accord in a day or so.
It might sound silly but you know, it’s sometimes the silly things in life that helps make the world a happier place. There’s one thing that has come out of this gnomey business and that is we have been made to feel truly welcomed here and have been included in the neighbourly gnome games.
After all, it’s a little gnome fact that getting to gnome your neighbours puts a smile on your face. I really feel at gnome here. – Gnome matter what…. Thank you neighbours and gnomes.
A Man called Rob
There once was a man called Rob,
who lived in the town of Dungog.
With daily doses of moonshine,
he couldn’t walk a straight line.
Sadly, he drowned in his grog.
Chrissy Siggee 2020
(Note: Dungog is a rural town near Maitland north of Sydney)
Archived in: 🦋 Poetry Mix
Local Shores
Australian Outback – HAIKU
Whales Ahoy!
It’s whale season here on the mid-north coast of New South Wales, Australia. Whales head north to warmer waters from the Antarctic to breed and give birth. Just a few days ago, we were taking the ocean road to head home the long way when I spotted a whale breaching of the coast. We parked the car at one of the lookouts and enjoyed the view. Unfortunately, we left our camera at home. Today we set off with the right equipment but sadly they were 15 to 20 kilometres off-shore. Even the long distance lens didn’t help. We met a gentleman who is one of the official whale counters who told us that 396 whales passed the headland and just a couple of kilometres off the coastline yesterday. Sadly, these are the best of 50 photos we took today.
Because you have read this far, I shall reward you with a few photos taken back in June 2016 – three years before we moved here. We had brought my dad up here from Sydney for a holiday. The whale watching cruise was the highlight of his trip. These whales came within 20 feet of the boat with one coming up alongside the boat to check out the humans.
Note: Boat owners are not allowed to approach whales but sometimes the whales come to the boat so engines are switched off to wait for the whales to move on.
Archived in: 🦋 Retirement
New Garden Project Taking Shape
The lawn is not getting any sun through winter but I can design the Spring project.
At least the temporarily pavers will save my feet getting lost in the mud.
Archived in: 🦋 I’m in the Garden
There’s Nothing Like Fresh Greens
Growing vegetables in pots and tubs is not so bad when they grow like this. To be able to move the pots around also helps to work out the best place to create the permanent vegetable garden come Spring. There’s a lot of shade in the back yard this time of year and we want to grow vegetables in all seasons.
Archived in: 🦋 Down on the Farm
A Place to Relax
Feet up after a morning in the garden.
Enjoying the view…
Flowering hanging baskets. Small gardens can be just right.
Archived in: 🦋 I’m in the Garden
A Fly called Mable
There once was a fly called Mable,
whose life was quite unstable.
You see, she lived in Humpty Doo
where they loved their barbecues
but often drank flies in their booze.
Chrissy Siggee 2020
(Note: Humpty Doo is a small town approximately 40 kms from Darwin, Northern Territory Australia)
Archived in: 🦋 Poetry Mix
A Touch of Autumn Colour
These photos were taken in our little front garden which was partly there, without any commonsense or plan, when we moved into our new home in December. With a bit of rearranging here and there, adding some cottage garden seedlings, using grey water and buckets throughout summer’s drought water restrictions, the garden is coming alive.
Archived in: I’m in the Garden
Mother’s Day Drive
Highs of the day.
An astounding 490 metres above sea level.
A beautiful Sunny Sunday.
From the North Brother we could see the South and Middle Brother Mountains.
We were down there last week taking a drive.
Who would believe such a beautiful lookout is situated just 30 minutes south of home.
The canal to the Pacific Ocean
Looking up the coast.
Mountains to the north.
Queens Lake north of Laurieton.
Archived in: Pre- Retirement
In Memory of Faith & Shield
Due to their age and health… Reflect on their life.
From the Archives: Faith’s Adventure – All 8 Stories
Faith to the Rescue
Faith Loses a Friend
Faith Goes on a Holiday
Faith’s Christmas Surprise
Faith’s Close Encounter
Faith’s Discovery
Faith Becomes a Mother
Faith – That’s my Blue Eye
Archived in
Short Fiction by Chrissy at Riverside Peace
A Garden Corner Transformed
With most garden stores closed due to the COVID-19 restrictions, it’s taken some constant changes and imagination to get the main corner garden acceptable.
Windmill purchased via the internet. It was actually better than we thought it would be.
Some creative colour while waiting for the native seeds to grow.
Archived in: I’m in the Garden
Yesterday’s Drive
With some COVID-19 restrictions lifted, a drive to the lake and coast was the best thing we could have done. Better still, all this is just 15-20 minutes from our front door.
Archived in: Pre- 
Retirement
A Man Named Rob
A Man Called Rob
There once was a man called Rob,
who lived in the town of Dungog.
With daily doses of moonshine,
he couldn’t walk a straight line.
Sadly, he drowned in his grog.
Chrissy Siggee 2020
Note: Dungog is a town in New South Wales, Australia.
Archived in: 🦋 Poetry Mix
Vegetables and herb growing but…
With ground this hard, herbs can stay in their balcony pots and everything else can grow where ever they can for now. I think we’ll invest in some large above ground vegetable boxes when the lock-down is over.
Archived in: 🦋 Down on the Farm
Some progress in the garden
Probably not the right time of day to take a photo.
ProgressThe corner garden almost completed.
The Australian native garden in progress.
Archived in: I’m in the Garden
A Bear named Dwight
There once was a bear named Dwight,
who raided beehives by day
and licked his paws by night.
He ate so much his teeth fell out,
now he can only suck trout.
Chrissy Siggee 2020
Archived in 🦋 Poetry Mix
The Pond
A Man Called Bill
There was a young man called Bill,
who lived in a town near Broken Hill.
He often dreamed of buying a yacht,
and thought he would name it Hotshot.
Instead, he inherited a windmill.
Chrissy Siggee 2020
Archived in: 🦋 Poetry Mix
Wisdom
Psalm 32:8 says: “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.”
Seeking wisdom should be a part of life. Wisdom should be sought when making decisions for a lifetime partner, parenting wisdom (from newborns through school days) teens, their wedding plans, etc. Wisdom is so important for guidance. Of course, there’s an assortment of classes, counseling, and generational pass-downs of valuable experience. Wisdom is also needed during times of crisis and when under financial pressure.
Where do we find such wisdom?
James 1:5 – “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”
So why do we allow ourselves to stress out, panic, or worry in times like this? How often do we seek wisdom from the Lord?
In the early years of my marriage, I used to stress over every minor crisis, especially when my husband was interstate with work or on a course where I couldn’t contact him. When it came to a serious dilemma, I was panic-stricken. It took sheer willpower to seek wisdom through His word and be strengthened by His truths. By seeking wisdom when a situation arose, I could take my concerns immediately to the Lord in prayer.
The next time there’s a crisis or situation that requires wisdom, pray and seek out God’s wisdom in your circumstances. Through His Word and prayer, He will guide you through.
Father, show us wisdom in all situations that arise in our day-to-day lives. Teach us to trust you, seek out insights through your word, and prompt us to pray through every crisis. Strengthen us so we may stand firm when things happen that need your wisdom to see us through. Amen.
First Published 2009
Scripture Verses used are from the King James Version of the Bible
Archived in: 🦋 Christian Reads
Where do we start?
Butterflys
Faith and Blue Eye!
‘WOW this little guy has one blue eye,’ Ken exclaimed.
Luke took the pup from Ken. ‘”Heterochromia Iridis.” It’s rare. It occurs as a result of too much or too little melanin in one eye. Can happen in humans too.’ He studied the pup further before reviewing the eyes again; a torch in hand.
‘So what does that mean?’
‘Well, nothing we can hope. It’s certainly striking. You may have problems selling him but I wouldn’t worry about that just now.’
Ken reach for the pup. ‘What do you think, Faith? Shall we call this little one Blue Eye?’
Faith licked her pup.
‘Thanks for coming around, Luke. Much appreciated.’
I see you built two new kennel yards. Great size.’
Ken led the vet through the rear door. ‘Yes, it seems to be working well. I bring Faith out onto the verandah with two or three pups at a time before bringing Shield out. He’s certainly clumsy. He almost squashed one on of them trying to play with it.’
As if on cue, Shield barked and jumped at the fence.
‘It’s sounds like a plan. Faith’s area is large enough for the next few months if you don’t sell them all by then but let Faith and Shield out together for an hour or two every day. Just watch his behaviour though.’ He looked beyond the enclosed area to the rest of the small acreage and chuckled. ‘A good place to wear them out as they grow, and believe me, they’ll grow.’
The two laughed and shook hands.
‘Call the clinic when their ready for their vaccinations. If its easier, bring Faith in at a different time.’ Luke left by the side gate.
Ken released the catch on the Shield’s cage. ‘Hey, Boof! How about a sprint around the acreage?’ He started the three-wheeled farm buggy and sped off.
Shield leapt out of the enclosure and chased after Ken while Faith and the pups looked on.
On a sunny day five weeks later while the pups were exploring the back yard beyond their enclosure, Ken released Shield for the first time with his whole family.
Ken mounted the buggy and turned the key. The buggy rumbled to life. ‘Let’s go! Shield, Faith.’
Faith turned to her pups and barked a couple of times before chasing after Shield who had already bolted after the buggy.
It wasn’t until Ken sped past the litter on his first lap that the three bigger pups joined the chase. On the second and third laps all but one pup had joined the game.
Faith slowed and plodded over to the little one that just sat staring out at the paddock. Aw…come on little Blue Eye. She nudged the little one but he remained staring. She woofed gently before she turned and ran to follow the last of the slower pups.
Blue Eye leaned forward. His eyes focused only on the buggy.
Again Ken sped past. ‘COME ON BLUE EYE! YOU’RE MISSING ALL THE FUN!’ By the time Ken had passed Blue Eye the pups were spread around the full lap of the paddock.
Still Blue Eye sat and focused on Ken and his buggy. Then…One, two, RUN! With an awkward leap forward, Blue Eye raced directly out across the worn track almost colliding with his youngest sister. With eyes focused straight ahead he ran faster than he thought his little paws could carry him. He crossed the centre of the paddock just as Ken made the bend to take the back straight.
Blue Eye yapped and slid sideways into the dust cloud that had formed behind the buggy. He was now leading the pack ahead of his father. Yap Yap Yap
Ken glanced behind. ‘How’d you do that?’ 
Ken steered into the final bend toward the start place with Blue Eye yapping close behind. He glanced over his shoulder as he approached the turn to begin a new lap. Blue Eye had slowed and returning to the same spot to sit and stare as he had before.
Ken watched Blue Eye in amazement. ‘You must be kidding me,’ he said out loud to himself when Blue Eye again dived out to cross the paddock. ‘He’s figured this out.’ He laughed. ‘Go Blue Eye!’
Again Blue Eye skidded in behind the buggy and yapped loudly. This time however, the others were slowing, including his father. Ken slowed to let Blue Eye pass but to his surprise the pup came up beside him and slowed to match the speed of the buggy.
The two continued side by side until Ken stopped and turned the engine off. ‘Well I’ll be…we have one smart pup here, Faith.’
The proud mother didn’t need to be told. She was all ready smothering him with licks. Shield however was not so pleased and bared is fangs.
‘Shield! That’s enough!’
At Ken’s pointed finger, Shield returned to his enclosure.
‘Well, Faith,’ Ken said. ‘I think we had better get these pups cleaned and fed.’
While Blue Eye enjoyed a few moments praise from his mother, the rest of the pups headed to the back porch. Ken approached Shield where he had waited at the entry of his enclosure. ‘Ah… Shield. Don’t be jealous. You should be proud of Blue Eye…all of them. You have a great family. Try to get on and don’t be so rough.’ He patted Shield before filling his food and water bowls. Leaving the gate ajar, Ken headed over to feed the rest of the family.
© Chrissy Siggee – 2019
This is a work of fiction. Except for Ken and his dog Faith all other characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.
Archived in: Short Fiction
Riverside Peace 
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