Today.

 Light effects cast over my painting in progress yesterday.....

Later in the afternoon, warming and comforting spicy chai latte.

One for Edwin and one for me. 

Reflections on a temporary 'moat' as an unusual outcome after digging the recent trench  around the vegetable garden! The mind wandered to fanciful thoughts of little bridges and boats sailing along it. 

Beautiful sunny start to mothers day. 

In the garden this morning.....

 Thanks Camille for my lovely little piece of handmade pottery. I love it.

                       

a local walk...

...in one of our favorite secluded land for wildlife areas about 2 kms from where we live.

We left at about 3pm which is a lovely time of the day to walk as the afternoon sun casts its shadows across the lush green foliage. 

The walk begins from a sporting ground, and then follows a densely vegetated trail along the railway line. After crossing the railway, we reach the 'trust for nature' entrance (below) that is flanked by radiata pine. This means, at this time of the year, there are plenty of opportunities for mushroom hunting as many Saffron Milkcaps can be found amongst the thick layer of pine needles.  

There are so many of them, it's a shame, because although we are 95 % sure they are saffron milkcaps, there is still that small doubt halts us from consuming them. Maybe one day we can take an expert with us to identify this species which is regarded as one of the most delicious mushrooms in the world.

As for the above , most mushrooms that grow in logs are toxic, but pretty to look at anyway.

The many meandering trails are lushly lined with bracken fern, stringy barks and various other species of wattle and gum. In fact the area is original remnant bush land, so is very special to us, and also to the resident kangaroos who appeared from nowhere a few years ago, and have remained ever since. 

Early wattle blooming and native maiden hair fern 

A striking earth star fungus. 

the gully was dry on our visit but it is wonderful during or after a downpour when it bubbles with the gentle trickling sounds of water.....

A good spot to sit and sketch with a flask of tea for refreshment.

A great little walk, quiet, serene and beautiful and one which we are lucky to have all to ourselves whenever we visit.

A winters friend.

The lemon tree is abundant with lemons that are beginning to ripen.

The Rosemary is being put to good use in many home made makes.

Including today's concoction - Fire Cider.

Jam packed with potent ingredients including  onion, garlic, jalopeno peppers, horse radish, lemon and garlic, this brew is sure to scare away any ghoul who dares to venture near it!

I'll let it sit now for a few weeks to brew, later sweetening it up a little with rice syrup.