In Australia my arm in a sling from a bicycle accident My country tis of thee Sweet land of liberty of the icing. (of thee I sing) That's what dictating springs. My right arm is in a sling. I can't type a thing. Yet, I want to compare my two countries right now. I … Continue reading Visions from Two Continents today written with word Dictation
Working Bee
January Working Bee at Wilson’s Reserve in East Ivanhoe, Victoria, Australia. Rehabilitation sites in Wilson Reserve Wilson’s Reserve was pasture on the Yarra river flood plain. For years the Friends of Wilson’s Reserve has been working to restore the bush to provide habitat for native birds and wildlife. Slowly, slowly we are succeeding. People come … Continue reading Working Bee
Healesville Sanctuary, Melbourne Australia
I just spent a wonderful day at an excellent Australian zoo. It was a warm day in the Melbourne summer, around 85F. We arrived around 11:15, and we didn’t want to miss the Birds or prey and parrot presentation at noon, so we walked past the wetlands. We knew we had some time so we … Continue reading Healesville Sanctuary, Melbourne Australia
Flying Foxes
Yarra Bend Park, Melbourne, Victoria Better than the museums, better than the gallery or even the zoo. Just as exciting as the fairy penguins is seeing the flying foxes take off in the evening. They were close to the Yarra Bend Bellbird picnic site, but they have moved further down the Yarra River, Perhaps to … Continue reading Flying Foxes
Wilson’s Promontory National Park, Victoria, Australia
Lilly Pilly Gully Walk Nature Walk Wilson’s Prom is three hours south of the large city (5.2 million) of Melbourne. It is the oldest national park in Australia. It is very popular. Most Melbourne high school send their students there to experience the bush. It is well preserved and reforested. We did not see any … Continue reading Wilson’s Promontory National Park, Victoria, Australia
Portland Japanese Garden in the Fall.
We thought since is was Wednesday it wouldn’t be crowded. But it was a special day, after all the sun was out in Portland. It was a long drive through the city to get there, but the trees glowed all along the side of the road. We were lucky someone was pulling out near the … Continue reading Portland Japanese Garden in the Fall.
Homesick
I’ve stayed too long in the USA. My ticket is not until November. I’m missing Australia, especially the trees and the birds. As the trees here lose their leaves I imagine the spring flowers now unfolding in Australia. How can I be homesick for what was my mother’s home? Is a longing to go back … Continue reading Homesick
BAck, Back in the USA
That is the USA not the USSR. USSR made for a better rhyme, but I want to be in a country with fair free elections and an independent civil service system that unholds the constitution. A country that has been famous for peaceful transfer of power from one Presidential election to the next. I have … Continue reading BAck, Back in the USA
Going Back to the USA
I heading back. Going from fall to spring. The wildflowers are blooming in Woodside Park and a need to be there. I need to see them this year. On this day 15 years ago Dutchman’s Breeches were in full bloom. Dutchman’s breeches are featured in my new book which I’m writing. I find peace in … Continue reading Going Back to the USA
Writers Victoria – Writing Exquisite Sentences
The doors are open. The light seeps in from the narrow opening. But Ethel sits still on the bare wooden chair. Her dark shoulders stoop down as she tries to figure out this new gadget. They just left her alone with this thing as though that would replace them. Her frizzled hair reflects the frizzle … Continue reading Writers Victoria – Writing Exquisite Sentences