On The Roost

A blanket of clouds slowly gathered above, with gentle thunder rattling across the sky. The most anticipated rain has come after four long months of waiting. I love the sound of the rain trickling down the roof, the freshness and coolness in the air it brings. Getting motivated to do some housework on a rainy day eludes me, instead I avert my attention to cooking; I find chopping, crushing, grating very therapeutic and relaxing. The aroma of fresh veggies roasting, the mouth-watering crisp chicken baking away in the oven sends my appetite into overdrive. My kitchen is my little haven, where I can create and express my culinary imagination.

 
          A good book in my hand and a cup of tea, just few of the things I like to do on a    rainy day

                                  Sharing some of my roses: Full Sail and Mr Lincoln

                     Ready for roasting-potatoes, carrots, beetroot smothered in lemon squeeze, olive oil and thyme. Perfect accompaniment for my roasted chook

                                And voila! Perfectly baked veggies!

 



                                         Watching the rain from our Verandah-

 

                                               Or simply chilling on a sofa

                          Contemplating what to do next....learn to crochet perhaps??

Or

 Marvel at what three days of rain can do.

         A bounteous veggie patch brings happiness and a great reward to those who are  deserving

    Our sleepy pond is overflowing to the rim. Watch out for the little boy whose tackle is lost in the stream.

Spring into Sumer

It has been over a week since the bush fires started, with over 200 homes now reduced to ashes, plus over a hundred damaged, and thousands and thousands acres of bushland destroyed. Watching from a distance all we could do is pray earnestly and hope that some divine intervention would get in the way. I am moved by what I saw through the media, of how the community of the upper and lower mountains supported each other. My heart goes out to those who have been affected and lost their properties and livelihood. We salute the RFS (Rural Fire Service), SES (State Emergency Services), and all volunteers for working relentlessly to save, protect and prevent more damage. The worse is far from over with 66 fires still burning and more than 20 still uncontainable around NSW. And today a tragedy happened; a life was lost when a water-bombing plane crashed in rugged bushland. Our deepest sympathy to his family and to the whole community of firefighters. I would like to ask my friends and readers to please say a prayer for our volunteers and firefighters and for these ferocious fires to be over soon.

I'm sharing some photos of our garden which were taken early last week, just before Sydney was blanketed by smoke and ash. Hope it will bring some comfort and solace to our weary souls.

Thank you dear friends for visiting and for your thoughtful comments.

I'm joining Sandi for Home, http://sandimyyellowdoor.blogspot.com.au/
Terri of http://artfulaffirmations.blogspot.com.au/
Katherine of http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com.au/
Bernideen, http://blog.bernideens.com/
Martha for http://www.marthasfavorites.com/2013/10/time-for-tea-cups-and-jewelry.html

                                                          My first foxglove this season.               
          

                                 Mandavella and an old man's whiskers.

 
                                                 Tiny apple fruit

   
                            My little bunny rabbit- sheltering between Dianella grass and Guaras.

        I tried to fill this little bird bath with water, a little help for our local feathered friends.

 

                            I picked some leeks, beetroot and cauliflower from our vegie bed.

                                A native bee, hovering around the apple blossoms

                                                      Sweet, tasty succulent mulberries.

                                             Pigeon peas are teeming with pods.

                              Peeling them was hard work but it was all worthwhile.

                                         Tropical sunset- I love the its yellow-speckled petals.

                               Full sail- wafts aromatic breeze around the garden.

                       I love Mr Lincoln, its scent  brings joy and restores a weary heart.

                        A little droplets of rain helps this little crocus come out to greet the sun.

                                         Perhaps this garden fairy swish her magic wand.

Afternoon Tea With My Bestie

Seasons come and seasons go, years pass us by, and tomorrow's a promise. Whirlwinds of time can leave  rubble, if not challenged, and hinder one's desire.  Birds migrate in search of belonging, seeking refuge, a haven, a cocoon of a kind. My heart beats for a kindred spirit, one neither boredom or inequities will ever cease. Whispering to each other of life's sweet journey, may it be joy or any trajectory, we are there for each other; a friendship promised to last till eternity.
Friendships are paramount to ones health and well being. They bring sunshine, laughter, wisdom and comfort every time.
My dearest friend and her husband came over for a late afternoon tea a few weeks ago. I was able to bake some cupcakes and make some smoked salmon and egg sandwiches with some berries on the side.

Thank you friends for visiting. Hope you are all well.

This week I'm joining Terri Of artful affirmation
http://artfulaffirmations.blogspot.com.au/2013/10/tea-cup-tuesday-last-roses-of-summer.htm
Martha of Martha's favourite http://www.marthasfavorites.com/
Sandi of http://sandimyyellowdoor.blogspot.com.au/

  we sat by the tea light candles, chatting away listening to the distant echo of the night.

A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother... Proverbs 18:24

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work; if one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him...Ecclesiastes 4:9-10