Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Early morning visitors





I want to share some photographs with readers.  We have been having quite a deal of 'noise' each morning, mainly from the cockatoos that have found the crop of chick peas close to our house.  The photograph above shows a small flock that had just swooped in ready for breakfast!!

I did manage a zoom in shot, but not sure how clear it will come up.  We will soon have galahs as well, and I suppose the corellas will find the crop too.  They all seem to love something different to chomp on.  I suppose it will be a free for all when the peas begin to set and mature.......

Our dogs have also been barking quite a bit lately, which often means an echidna has found it's way around their little 'town'.  We actually found two this morning, burrowing into the soil, trying to find a spot for their daily rest.  This one is now hardly visible, having burrowed deeper into the soft soil.

Both were within reach of one of the dogs, but all he could do was bark and look bewildered.  This one was very close to that dog's chain anchor, and in slightly harder soil.  After I took this photograph, we managed to get a shovel under it, and take it away a small distance where the soil is softer.  It can sleep there for today, and perhaps the two of them will waddle off later tonight.

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I will just let readers know I shall be absent from blogging for a little while.  One of our sons had a house fire on the weekend, and will be in need of some assistance in the coming weeks.  Everyone is fine, and not all of their stuff is gone.  They were very lucky.  Unfortunately, accommodation is virtually non-existant where they live, so that is creating some drama.  I am sure they will step up and manage the best way they can.  Our children have never really 'needed' us for much, and are confident, competent adults.  Having said that, I feel there will be times in the next few weeks when we will need to be around to prop them up.  

I had just made a start on a new knitted lace tablemat, a Herbert Niebling design, taken from yet another of my ANNA magazines.  This one is being worked in #60 ecru thread, using 1.5mm needles.    I did have a hiccup caused by 'not following the map'...........  Note to self - read and take in what all the symbols mean, and save yourself some 'unknitting'.  Yes, I know I should use some thread lifelines, but perhaps I am just too damned stubborn.  There was no design name given, as has been the case in other issues.   As I've been working away, and if I can't find a pattern name for this, I think I shall call it 'Phoenix', as I've decided it will be a gift for my DIL when she gets her life back in order.  Some of the patterning resembles [to me] flames rising, giving me a distinctly 'phoenix' feeling.  I would be grateful if anyone knows this design's name, as I do not have any HN books, just a collection of some of his patterns in ANNA.   The photograph below will show my progress prior to the 'unknitting'.  I'll probably be at a standstill in a day or so.



17 comments:

Dianne said...

Hi Linda, So sorry to hear about your son's misfortune, Just pleased to know there was nobody injured. When we were coming home from Charters T. we couldn't get any accom. between there and home, so had to do a big one and go 'all the way'. I am guessing your son lives in one of those dang mining towns where no one can get accom as was our experience. Phoenix is a great name for your knitted piece. It is looking stunning so far.

Karyn said...

I hope your family find somewhere to live soon, what an awful thing to have happened.
the knitted lace looks lovely, and perfect as a pheonix rising from the ashes. Not sure why you "unknitted' it, it looks perfect to me! glad oyu are liking the graphs, i really must have a go at it

DIAN said...

Linda, I know how upset you are: just remember he is your son and can cope with most challenges. Your help and support will be appreciated of course.

Love your knitting, it always looks so intricate. I agree that it looks like flames.


Thanks for the phone call - so good to talk - looking forward to the new on line course.

WandarArt.Stitch said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Jen said...

Hello Linda . I will be thinking of you while you will be away. I'm sorry your son has to go through this.The young ones today are very strong and seem to manage. It is not nice to have to go through loseing his home. Being safe is what matters, Maybe he could borrow a caravan for a while to stay in. No matter how old they are we still worry about them.
Your knitting is beautiful. Take care x

Katherine said...

Great photos and the knitting will get there Such a beautiful pattern too I am sorry to read about the fire and hope that things bounce back quickly for them.

Ella said...

Linda great photos but i am sure the farmer won't be happy with the visitors.I hope your son will find somewhere to live soon.Your knitting looks very intricate and i'm sure that your DIL will love it.

Jenny said...

There are times when we all need propping up & I am so glad your son has you to help him through this difficult time. Also glad that everyone is safe. Cocatoos must be pests for the farmers but get great pics. Also love the knitting, hope you find time to do some more while propping up the family. Be strong & take care.

Penny said...

thanks for your comments Linda, that top book is magic. Sorry to hear about your sons house, I know the panic that went on when part of our daughters burnt, not a huge amount of damage except smoke all through the house, a dead cat and so much to replace.
I think your knitting is extraodinary, my eyes dont let me do things as intricate as that, but even so I dont think I could follow a patter, once perhaps, I did knit lacy shawls for the babies but that was such a long time ago!

Juliettecherry said...

So sorry to hear about the fire. A lovely idea to make that lovely knitted lace for your DIL. It will be a very special gift and one to treasure. I hope you find some time to lose yourself in it, our knittinhg/needlework is such a comfort at difficult times.

shirley said...

I am so sorry to hear of the fire at your sons house, it must be a real worry for them, but thankfully not as bad as it could have been. I wish you all well in the coming weeks and hope things go smoothly for them to get their lives back in order.

Your knitting is fabulous I really like that design and I can see the reason why you are calling it Pheonix. I am sure it will be a real family treasure.
Good luck in the coming weeks and I know you willboth be a great support for the young ones.

N. Maria said...

Your knitting is perfect....absolutely gorgeous!
I hope your son gets settled in a new place as soon as possible......it can be so hard to get back to "normal".
Hugs and love to you.....

Radka said...

Sorry to hear about the fire, Linda. Although your children are independent, it is good to have mu around :-)
I have been away from blogging myself, not being well, so I am just trying to catch up.
Another beautiful piece of knitting !

fabriquefantastique said...

Echidna? now there is something I have never heard of before.

Lucky you are around to help out your poor son.

Anney said...

Dear Linda,I've just caught up with all your news and am sorry to hear about the fire at your son's place...
Don't worry about not being here..family needs are paramount ..just know I too will be thinking of you...hope to write to you soon..
Anney and Lani xx

Gina E. said...

Hi Linda,
I've just seen your comment on my bird blog about our chooks. Yes we love 'em too! Ken would like to get a silver laced Wyandotte, as we always admire them in the chook shows we go to. Hope your son and his family have been able to sort out a roof over their head; it's too bloody cold to sleep outside these nights!

Anney said...

Miss you and thinking of you..keep smiling..:))