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.

Something Fishy

I have been spending time cleaning up 'My Pictures', and came across some that I thought might be of interest to readers.  About two years ago we were invited to a property close by to learn about a fishway that had been installed on a small private weir on our river.  The fish in the photograph above is a small Murray Cod, which is one of our most sought after native freshwater fish.  The river is also home to the Golden Perch or 'Yellowbelly', and both are extremely good eating fish.  However, due to the nature of our river systems, and the weirs installed, there are many times when the river is reduced to nothing more than waterholes in many stretches.  It is difficult for the 'trapped' fish to survive in these instances.  The Department of Fisheries have been installing these fishways in our river systems in the hope of maintaining the breeding of these native species.  You can read a little more about the fishway designs here.  This website explains the process much better than I would be capable of doing.

This photograph shows some of the people standing down in the dry river bed, with the weir above.  I have not checked with our neighbours since the floods to see how the installation fared with the bulk of water that would have engulfed it.  This private weir, with a 'very' small wall was built prior to WWII, and has obviously withstood many floods.

I've taken this photograph to show the ramp/ladder type construction that was built to help fish move upstream and into the bigger waterholes, hopefully maintaining the species for all those amateur anglers who love nothing better than to take home a good sized fish for dinner!!  If you enlarge the photograph, you can see the 'ladder' on the far edge.

Unfortunately, the fish also have to compete for habitat with a number of introduced and troublesome species, not the least of which is the 'carp'.  It is a jolly nuisance when you are fishing, taking the bait, and in the end you have nothing.  You don't eat carp, they are just too bony, absolutely horrible to try and make a meal out of.................. 

I hope this little post is of interest to some people.  This river system is one of the largest in the world, and is the subject of much debate at the moment, due to environmental issues.  You can see a few statistics here.  

Thank you as always for your comments and support.

Lots going on..........

At the moment there seems to be a never ending stream of tractors, trucks, and machinery back and forth as the men rush to get things done while the weather is fine.  The cotton is being harvested, and that should finish today.  I managed to get some photographs of the machines actually working this year!!  The photograph above shows how the cotton is transferred from the bin on the picker to the 'boll buggy'.  It's very dusty of course, but thankfully, these days, machinery is fitted with air conditioned cabins - so much better for the operator.

When the boll buggy is full, the driver takes it out to a prepared area where it is again transferred, this time to the module 'builder'.  Needless to say, the operation of these monsters requires concentration!!  The load is not just tipped in one place - it has to be spread along the length of the module bin.

I hope this photograph will show the large container/bin where the cotton is compressed and made into a large, tight, block of cotton, ready to be loaded onto the trucks to take to the cotton gin.  I did show a photograph of a cotton module last year, but I can't find it on my blog at the moment. 

I believe the growing season was again not ideal for a 'bumper' crop.  There were lots of days early in the life of the crop when we had cloud, fog, light rain, virtually no sun.  This led to uneven flowering, and consequently, there are still heaps of unopened pods.  The unopened, immature pods are easily visible in this shot.

 To bore you a little longer, I've taken a close-up of one of the pods, so you can see how it has just started to split - it's rather attractive isn't it.  I think it is such a shame there is cotton in there, but not ready for harvest.

Of course, cotton harvesting isn't the only operation going on at the moment.  We've also had an abundance of pasture growth this year, so the men decided to enlist a man to cut and bale as much as possible, in order to save some for the bad times.  The shed is full, and now they are starting to make stacks out in the paddock.

I couldn't help but share this not quite so busy lot.  I suppose in one way, they are busy - busy sitting around, doing nothing, and putting on weight ready for market [oh dear, I hope they didn't hear me].  I suppose it's a great life while it lasts.

Thank you again to all who continue to make the time to comment on the things I have to share.  I value your time, and it's lovely to know people care.

A Green Landscape

As Christmas is fast approaching, I've been making time to enjoy the green that surrounds us at the moment.  For a long time, brown has been the predominant colour for us at this time of the year, so to see green paddocks is quite enjoyable.  I decided to renew my header photograph, showing a crop of sorghum [a crop grown at this time of the year] and the ever present galahs that seem to take delight in eating the grain.  They are noisy, raucous, and rather destructive birds, but part of our unique birdlife, so including them as part of my blog is probably only natural.  I'm also sharing some 'new growth' that has delighted me.  The little bedding begonia in the photograph above was all but broken to pieces by 'the pups' a few months ago.  I came out one day to see the pot tipped over and most of the growth chewed off.  It was in a sorry state.  I broke all the mauled bits off, and repotted it into a much larger pot.  As you can see, it is now fully recovered and flowering beautifully.  I've always told my husband things need a good hard prune now and again.........  However, I would much rather be the one doing the pruning!!

Unfortunately, the destruction didn't stop at the begonia.  Just when you let your guard down, they decide to up and at something else.  For three years I've been watching my ponytail plant grow and thrive.  They made a real meal out of it one day, but I kept watering it, hoping it would recover.  I've taken this photograph, so you can see the bite marks on the tuber, the sad looking top, and can understand how annoyed I was to see it.  It's difficult to find somewhere to put the plants where the pups can't get at them, so I somehow have to sit them out.  In the last week or so I've noticed these little nodes, so I know the plant is still alive.  I have a feeling these little growths are all new ponytail plants, not a new top on the old plant.  Has anyone got an opinion on that theory??  I'll keep watching them for a while, and then decide if I'm to leave it like that, or try to 'strike' each little node into a new plant...........

To finish off this post I thought it might be amusing to share this photograph of Dude.  I captured him sound asleep on the back landing, and to look at him, you wouldn't think he'd be capable of doing anything naughty.  Think again!!!

My thanks also for the interest in the painted paper folder.  Your comments are always appreciated. 

Harvest Complete

I took these pictures a few weeks ago, and have been meaning to put them here for people to see.  The harvest in the district is now well and truly over, with summer crops already planted and looking lovely after the rain last week.  This was the harvester/header that did the work on the property here.  The photograph was taken as I stood on my northern lawn.  The wheat paddock [the one in my header photo] is not much more than 80 metres from our house.  These big machines are very sophisticated these days, with GPS systems, comb sensors in order to avoid hitting higher ground, bin-full beepers, and more beepers than one can throw a stick at!!  They have sealed, air conditioned cabs for the driver's comfort.  Can you imagine how horrible and dusty the work would be without that.

This photograph is showing the wheat being transferred from the header to the 'chaser' bin.  A little later in the day, the tractor and bin were being driven along beside the header with the wheat going straight into it.  This needs a lot of concentration and communication between header/tractor driver.  If there is a big crop, there is also a need for trucks to be employed in order to move the grain to on-farm storage or take it directly to the wheat depot.

I took this photograph in town during harvest.  These are the 'big rigs' that are used to transport grain.  I know it's not a property shot, but I couldn't resist taking it.  Unfortunately, I missed the front wheels, but on doing a count, that vehicle has 54 tyres.  I actually thought it was amusing seeing him pulled up in front of the tyre shop - bet that shop owner was rubbing his hands together when he saw the big guy pull up!!  Is it any wonder transport costs are soaring.  I hope these few images show a little more of my world.

Thank you all again for your wonderful comments on my recent playing.  I do appreciate the feedback.

New Recruits

We are constantly in need of new recruits for our working dog pack.  Some are getting old, and need to spend their retirement taking it a bit easy.  We've not long taken charge of three pups, so I thought I'd share them here.  The little fellow above will be given to one of our friends.  He's got very short hair, and feels the cold.  It was a little rainy and miserable here on Friday, so I quickly cut into my stash of polar fleece and made a little coat for him.  If he ever grows into his ears, he'll be a big dog!!  He was quite small when he first came home, but he's now outweighing his sister.  I did have to Photoshop his eye [red eye], but the 'blue' you see is a trait quite common in this type of working dog.

This is Meg.  We will hopefully breed from her in due course, if she lives up to expectations in the field.  She is a little more hairy than Little Bill, and such a gentle little thing.

We haven't given this guy a permanent name at the moment.  I'd like to call him Dude, but the jury is still out.  He's the monster of the pack, and very much like another dog we've had in the past.  One of our dogs is the father of the pups.

And, not to be outdone by pups, our son and DIL have just sent us a photo of their newest foal, a little filly with very long legs, which I am sure they are hoping she will put to good use on the racetrack.  Her name is Chloe around the paddock, not sure what they'll call her for 'racing purposes'.

Okay, just one more to show you her legs!!






I know...................I can't help it, I love baby animals.

Looking for Beauty

During my married life I've been called upon to do some pretty unlady-like tasks, and have done the best I could at the time.  Saturday night was one such time.  My hubby asked me [very nicely] if I would consider being his off-sider on a feral pig hunt.  Well, what could I say.  Much of the time I am able to do my own thing, so I didn't like to say no.  I'll spare you all the nasty hunting details, but suffice to say it wasn't for the weak of stomach!!  We spent almost five hours driving around a large property, only going back over our tracks twice - around almost 2,000 acres of wheat and half as much grazing oats.  We even took a picnic.  Now, don't go getting too excited - there was nothing glamorous about this picnic, no Michael Bublé playing in the background, no chilled champagne, no cucumber sandwiches, or cherry pie.   But, I refuse to allow myself to only see the negative part of this.  We arrived at our destination some time before sunset, and there was the prospect of seeing wildlife other than aforementioned feral pigs!!  I was told about a large dam, with resident swans.  I am sure the producers of our 'reality' show, The Farmer Wants a Wife would have made this scene look so much more romantic, but I still found it pleasant enough to share.

My husband does a lot of work on this property, mostly mustering cattle.  He has told me often about 'the swans that live on the big dam'.  Well, I finally saw them, and they have a family.  This is not the best photograph, zoomed in to the hilt, but I'm sure you will see what I'm talking about.  The water birds were there in their droves, so lovely to see, after all the dry years.

We managed to get to another small dam just before sunset, so I couldn't resist a few more shots.  There is always something magical about the coming up and going down of the sun!  During the night we saw lots of other birds - bustards [plain turkeys], tawny frogmouths, but sadly, it's not brolga country.

I know much of what I see is rather dull compared to the beauty others have, but it's amazing how much you appreciate the little things.  Just recently we've had the privilege of the company of this Ibis.  He seems to have taken a liking to the area just outside our immediate houseyard, wandering around each day without a care in the world.  I have named him Ivan [I don't really know if it's a male or a female to be honest], and perhaps in time he'll bring a mate to meet us, Irene maybe??  We've also noticed a lot of activity high up in one of the trees, as Maggie and Magnum [our magpie couple] start to make preparations for another family this season.  Each afternoon about 5.00pm [like clockwork] they swoop down waiting for the handful of dog biscuits I throw on the ground for them.

I hope you enjoy seeing some of the things I've seen in the last few days, despite their simplicity.

Costly Cotton/Contented Cows

I was out and about a little yesterday, and thought I'd share a few photographs of what is going on around the place.  With our never ending need for food and fibre production, it seems there is always something being planted or harvested.  Whilst some wheat is still being planted, some of the local cotton crops are almost harvested.

I know many people lament the cost of their embroidery threads, but bear in mind that cotton is a trial to grow.  From the moment it goes into the ground, to the time it ends up in your needle, I just hate to think of the costs involved.  This is one crop ready for the picker.  In it's life cycle, it's been sprayed with pesticides on a regular basis, not to mention the various herbicides needed to arrest weed growth.  Goodness, it's even been sprayed with a defoliant to get it to this stage, ie ensuring the plant is dead and dry enough for the picker to work properly.

After it's been harvested, it is mechanically moulded into what we call a 'module'.  These are transported by road transport to the various cotton gins in the area.  You can see the 'harvested' bushes in the right of the frame.  There still seems to be quite a deal of cotton left - perhaps the picker wasn't working properly [??].

If you look closely at the solid mass you can see just how dirty it is.  Again, I hate to think how many processes it has to go through to make it 'worthy' for our use.  I've never had the opportunity to go to a cotton gin to see what happens to it.  I am by no means a person who is opposed to these methods, but I do think about what it takes for crops to be produced.  I can only say that cotton seems to be an environmental nightmare - damned if you do, damned if you don't!!!    Love it or loathe it, we all need it.

On a brighter note, I noticed the neighbour's lovely Hereford cows were back.  This little dam is really close to the road, so I took the chance to snap some of them as they socialized around 'the watering hole'.  You can see a wheat crop in the background.

Thankfully, with grass fed beef production, the need for chemicals and handling are kept to a minimum.  I never tire of seeing 'white faces'.  With all the breeds we have these days, the Hereford is still one of my favourites.  These dears are enjoying their days in the sun.  I imagine there will be some lovely little white faced calves in the Spring, can't wait.  The life cycle just keeps on keeping on.

I hope these few photographs are of interest to some.  I have always lived on the land, and I'm still extremely interested in how things grow!!

Outdoor Images

Today is Mothers' Day, and I have to admit to spending it very quietly on my own today.  With the threat of rain tomorrow, some pressing jobs need to be done around the property, so my husband is working this weekend.  Yesterday was such a beautiful day here, so I decided to take him morning tea - scones with strawberry jam and whipped cream no less!!!  It also gave me an opportunity to see some of the paddocks that had been under floodwater.  The photograph above shows the unripened pod of a type of wild gooseberry that seems to have become rampant since the flooding.

This photograph shows the ripened pods, which do contain berries.  I seem to remember eating this type of thing when I was a child, but they don't look all that appetizing to me now!!  These are going to be a real pest if the introduced grasses don't get good weather next Spring, enabling them to flourish and perhaps choke out such things.

One job that has to be done is filling in large sinkholes or washouts caused by the water.  Some parts of this mess are twelve or more feet deep.  This used to be a levy bank that protected the cropping land from smaller floods, but it's been all but destroyed now.

 It's going to take quite a while to complete this task, very slow going, pushing soil from one place and moving it another, simple as that.  And, a rather tedious job at that.  Thankfully, at the moment the soil is rather moist, so the task isn't quite as dusty.

I also had a moment to look at the crop that is growing on the river flats [planted since January].   This crop is mungbeans, but as you can see from the photograph, it's rather uneven.  I actually didn't photograph the entire crop, it's just too unsightly.  Bad weather and disease have not been kind to it.

The green are the immature pods, and of course the black ones contain beans almost ready to harvest.  I believe the mice are having a wonderful time.  There are so many pods off the bushes and on the ground.  Here you can see the beans spilled out and wasted.  I wonder how many dishes of mungbean sprouts are sitting out there!!

One old tree beside the lagoon took my eye as I walked around checking the newest pasture planting.  I think the patterning on this tree is evidence of termite infestation.  No doubt the tree had all but died during years of dry weather, so they've moved in to feast on it.  I suppose we should try to find some beauty in the interlocking lines.  I think you can also see the floodwater mark on the tree.  I didn't notice that until I had the photograph up on the computer screen.  Oh, the lush green in the background is yet another flourishing weed.

I hope some of these shots are of interest.  Thank you again for your kind comments on my last post.  You are all so supportive.


I wish all a very Happy Mothers' Day.

 

Paddock to Plate

We've had a busy couple of days here.  The men decided it was time to call on the 'mobile butcher', so  I've been up to my elbows in prime beef.  It's not the most glamorous job going, but someone has to do it.  Thankfully, I don't need to pay any attention to the meat section for quite some time, as we have enough in the freezers to keep us going for quite a while.  It's not your lovely 'two sweet little rib fillets on a polystyrene tray', but it is literally paddock to plate.  Yesterday, after the cutting up, we had eye fillet for lunch........................melt in your mouth stuff.  It's grass fed, and free of chemicals.   It's also nice to be able to stand outside the coldroom and ask for the cuts to be dealt with the way that suits you best.

Thank you all for the comments on the give-away crazy patchwork.  I'll be doing the draw first thing tomorrow morning and will hopefully post the winner shortly afterwards.  Good luck to all who cared to comment, whether you are a first timer, or a regular.  I thank you all for taking the time to read my blog.  Without such support and friendship I would not have continued.