Living on two continents ought to be the best of both worlds. After all, I spend the North American winter in Australia, where it is summer and the cold unheated Melbourne winter in Door County Wi, where cool breezes off Lake Michigan moderate the temperature. For three years my Australian partner and I have made … Continue reading Living on Two Continents
Trees
Losing Native Trees
Everyone says to plant trees. Part of our city council promotes biodiversity. But the people in charge of street trees cut down mature native trees that provide food for beautiful Australian birds. They plant exotic trees that won’t bother the overhead lines or maybe disrupt the sidewalk. I can walk down one street and hear … Continue reading Losing Native Trees
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
Maintaining a Nature Reserve
Everyday my Australian partner and I spend two volunteer hours trying to fight back against invasive plants in Wilson Reserve (A nature preserve in Melbourne, AU) and the bush along the Yarra River next to the Reserve. Melbourne water has invested a lot in planting native vegetation along the river, but has no funds to … Continue reading Maintaining a Nature Reserve
The Red Cedar Speaks
“Talk to me,“ Kathy asked the Cedar Tree I didn’t hear the answer right then. I was too engrossed in the visual presence of that majestic being. Her trunk surrounded by close neighbors of a variety of species caused her to reach straight up into the sky. Way up at the top I could see … Continue reading The Red Cedar Speaks
Staying Put at Lamington National Park in Australia
I was going off to New Zealand but that’s been canceled by the corona virus. It made no sense to go there and be in isolation for 14 days when I was only going there for five. And then when I returned to Australia I’d spend another 14 days in isolation. I’m lucky to be … Continue reading Staying Put at Lamington National Park in Australia
Living on the Edge of the Cloud Forest
The trees here in the cloud forest are amazing. Not just for their size but for the weight that they carry. I think they carry the weight of the world on their shoulders. They are the home of many epiphytes, plants that live on their branches, but are not parasites, and do no harm. Many … Continue reading Living on the Edge of the Cloud Forest
Leaving Austin TX
I've been here for two months enjoying the trails and my grandchildren Winter here is temperate and comfortable for a light jacket. Some trees have shed their leaves, but the marvelous live oaks hold on tight until spring. Their branches dance this way and that, reaching down and up. They maintain peaceful groves throughout the … Continue reading Leaving Austin TX
Great Ocean Road
Down the coast from Melbourne is one of the most beautiful seaside roads in the world. Curves, ocean surf, and rocks greet a driver at every turn. Luckily I had a very experienced local driver. Signs remind tourists to stay to the left. It was wonderful to stop, watch and listen to the surf pounding … Continue reading Great Ocean Road
Visions from Two Continents. 