For the Beauty

I’ve been trying to take pictures of all the beauty that surrounds us. I don’t want to forget any of it. I feel like we should be outdoors enjoying it whenever we can. Today on a run I was higher up in state forest looking down into the valley only about 2k from our house and I had to pause and take in the view. I wish I had my camera!

The recent rains have greened up the grasses and farmlands and even though we are heading into winter, there are a number of bushes and shrubs that have flowered. We have some rhododendron type bushes flowering in our garden and our roses have new buds. That with the autumn colors (mostly in the non-native, ornamental trees), the town is really a vision right now!

Fall flowers at Maren's school:

Roses on our church grounds:

Apples, plums and butternut squash are big at the farmers markets right now. It is strange to have these in May but I’ll take it! We have a lemon tree in the backyard with branches drooping from the weight of nearly ripe fruit. I am going to need some lemony recipes soon.

The forest land next to us brings in heaps of wildlife. We regularly have a mob of kangaroo in the evenings and many types of large birds including galahs, cockatoos (white and black varieties and the gang-gang), king parrot, alpine rosellas, kookaburra, and magpies (with the most beautiful call). The sulfur-crested cockatoo are really loud and like to be social. I don’t know much about their grouping habits but recently we have noticed the flocks getting larger. There were around 140 (!) in the field one evening – it was difficult to talk over the racket. I’ve heard them referred to as a “cacophony of cockatoos” when they are plural and this seems an apt description.

The buildings in town are also beautiful – I would describe the appearance of the homes and gardens as tidy and proper. Many homes are single-story Victorian style (even new-build) with a large veranda, metal or tile roof, ornate wood or metal decorative trimming and a well-manicured flower garden – often with roses.

Even the school grounds are impressive. The big kids’ school sits on around 16 acres with mature trees, river, and natural play area (large rocks, paths through trees, hollowed stumps to climb). Maren’s daycare has more outdoor play space than indoor and they take full advantage of it – they have constructed a dry creekbed, tunnels through grass hills, and cubby houses tucked in every corner. As long as it is not too wet the kids will be outside.  

Asher wants to stay and play at Maren's school:

We keep getting warned that it gets really cold here but town does not get snow so I’m not going to worry yet! I’ll let you know how I feel about that in another month or so.