Can you believe that it has taken me over two months to do this post? Shame on me!
We went on holiday with some friends a few weeks back … sailing in the Whitsunday Islands, something that I have longed to do for years. For those that don’t know, the Whitsunday Islands are located in tropical Northern Queensland, Australia.
Do you enjoy snorkelling? I used to enjoy it lot more than I do now, truth is I have become a wuss! Admittedly there are a few nasties lurking in those tepid Queensland waters … and as we just happened to be swimming at the end of ‘stinger season’ (box jellyfish), it was advised that one should wear a stinger suit. I had done my research on these, although I had no idea that the full length, black, spandex suit, is not only particularly hard to haul on but is hot and feels much like being in a sauna! As it happens, I had bare skin showing down by my flippers, couldn’t see as the water was murky, and was sure that something unknown had me on its radar. What did I do? I spent that particular snorkel watching others from the safety of the rubber dinghy.
The good news is I didn’t see any jellyfish (thank heavens), although while on an excursion to view an old aboriginal cave dwelling, I had the misfortune to see a snake at close range. Did I holler? Of course I did!
Although only a brief sojourn, it was spent with some super friends aboard a Leopard Catamaran. We savoured some delicious cuisine (thanks Christian), some nice Aussie vino and while the sailing was limited due to the weather, we enjoyed beautiful scenery, some snorkelling and walks on pristine beaches. I even got used to the no ‘hairdryer’ and limited shower status … LOL
Whitehaven beach
Back at Frog Pond Farm we now have a new resident. I would never have dreamed that a 5 yr old sheep called Mookie complete with tail, attitude and a penchant for being hand fed sheep nuts, could be so much fun.
Mookie …
I loathe talking bad weather, but I have to say that last week we experienced a particularly bad storm which surprised us with its severity. So when it slammed into Frog Pond Farm with ferocious winds and heavy rain, we knew it was going to be a storm to remember.
Hubby had just managed to finish cooking his roast chook (no not one of ours) when the power flickered and went out, leaving us suddenly in darkness. At the time I was surprised to hear him berate the fact that we were devoid of gravy, I couldn’t help but wonder at the significance of this as the wind slammed into the house, sounding much like it was endeavouring to prise off our roof.
The next morning roof intact, we ventured outdoors to access the damage. The chook paddock was littered with branches and leaves, we were now minus several pine trees, but thankfully the chickens and our three sheep were all ok!
My summer veg garden which is in dire need of removing and replanting didn’t fare too badly considering. Cosmos and zinnias are now sporting some interesting new hair dos, beans are hanging forlornly from the trellis – I won’t mention the state of the few remaining corn plants.
We were incredibly lucky as it happened, only losing power for 30 hours, given others weren’t so lucky, many being without power for days. Then there were those, that lost roofs and had trees that smashed into buildings and fences. Nature can be so destructive.
Muriwai beach – iPhone
Did I mention I am still preserving? Well dear readers … it’s time to fill the kitchen with those wondrous chilli fumes, enough of holidays, storms and garden mayhem.
And of course, you do know my sign off – Happy Gardening