Close Encounters

Hi there!
Friday already!
Yesterday we motivated ourselves enough to get out and do a couple of laps around the river track. We were walking near one of the embankments when suddenly I notice right next to me, slithering down to the path, a good sized tiger snake!! We both (me and the snake) got a bit of a shock. It reared up, being all fangy, and I danced away pretty smartly, dragging Jeff with me – who got into gear pretty quick when he saw the 3 ft tiger!

I foozled like the cat (goosebumps) but we stood back and watched the beautiful creature continue on its way down to the river. I was miffed I was sans camera. Its stripes were quite clear and it had a yellow belly.

If you are not familiar with the tiger snake – it lists about top 6th or 7th in the world for most venomous. (Yah – we’re proud of that)
They are generally not aggressive.

Anyway – got our heart rates somewhat going!

Small onion – went into dinner tonight. They still have some growing to do but I didn’t have any onions left. (Of the bought variety)

Still enjoying the lettuce mix!

I went down to see Ruby today. They don’t have heaps of lettuce yet so I will take over a bag of leaves soon.
We sat and had a cuppa in her sunny room and rolled our eyes at the weather and had a good catch up.
A few weeks ago, Ruby had a small stroke. Margie rang us and asked for Jeff to come down and see her – all that was noticeable was slurred speech.
Jeff did the nurse thing and did some basic checking. And a Nurse to Nurse chat.
Ruby doesn’t like dashing off to the doc much. haha
Nothing else was affected but she did go to the doc, so she is in good hands.
Of course she is annoyed about having to sit about and rest so much. Would be nice for her if the weather got its act together soon so she can at least enjoy being outside in her comfy chair!
Anyway, we had some laughs this afternoon and made garden plans for whenever the weather wants to behave!

Despite the constant wind and cold… the herb spiral is coming along. The basil is toughing it out – doesn’t look so lush but its not dead.
The dill is amazing! The chamomile is looking good and the mint clearly loves its new spot. The sage is going well too.
The oregano is ‘meh’ and what marjoram popped up, must have died. I’ll try putting more seed in when the weather picks up.
All in all… not bad.

The tough little self seeded tomato is looking great – and has flowers!!

One cucumber plant looks like it means business! I’ve put a tie on it attached to the climbing frame so it will head in the right direction.

Capsicum flowers! Yay!

Self seeded tomatoes are appearing everywhere. Will be time for a big relocation day soon!
Got some ingredients… and plan to make a half batch of pesto SOON

Poor seedlings waiting patiently for the good weather to go out!

By the looks of things – we are going to lose half our apple tree! 🙁
I just noticed the foliage today.
This is the other half of the tree:

Massive difference!

The other apple tree is going along well

Oh – and an abundance of blueberries…
Um… like about 6.

I checked the soil in the duck yard garlic patch – wow. Rock hard! Even with the mulch that wind has taken its toll… so I put the bore on for a good long while to give the area a decent soaking.

Well, I have a big day ahead tomorrow.
I have plans to go help Sharon with a big soap workshop she has booked in. Should be fun – and you should see the FOOD she has been preparing!
I am going to be in heaven (before having to waddle several more laps of the river track!)
Have an awesome weekend everyone !!
Cheers