unexpected blessing

A couple of nights ago Willow woke me up at 1.50 am, so I dutifully dragged myself to the back door and let her out for a pee. That wasn't what she wanted though so it took her 10 minutes of wandering around the back yard before she would come back into the house. Since I didn't have shoes on and was disinclined to chase her round the house or call her loudly at that time of the morning I had a few minutes to wait.

The evening was calm and clear. I could easily hear the neighbours chatting in their garage. There appears to be a couple of young girls in residence. Perhaps their daughter is back from some study or other.

After a while of trying to get Willow tempted back inside I gave up .. that was when I heard the Morepork.. faintly but definitely ru-ru-ing somewhere close by.

It was such  a peaceful sound. I could have stood there listening all night.

smiles from our garden

These beauties are in our garden. They have so far survived the dry weather and that is really a surprise as today really feels like summer. It was too warm to take the dogs out for a walk so I waited until after 5pm and still Willow was very reluctant. She and I waddled along joined at the lead to motivate her all the way to the reserve. Jack had no such qualms and ran the whole way.

I sometimes think there is nothing around to photograph but when I can find flowers like this in our own garden it reminds me this way of thinking is quite wrong. There are things to photograph and there are people who will enjoy seeing them. The key is getting off my butt and looking for them.

next day..
 I set to after writing that and sent on order off for some calendars with my photos of flowers. It was good to see I had more photos than space. I hope they will be good enough quality to give as gifts for Christmas. If they are I may have time to order more.

a week later.. 
the calendars are great and I have ordered another 10! and some small ones for good measure. 

Fine China

I visited the home of an elderly lady today to pick up some things for her while she is in hospital. She is a friend of a friend. I am dismayed to say she has not been looking after herself, apparently for quite a while, and her home is a mess.

My friend and I fervently hope that she will be forced to go into care now this has all come to light. There she will eat, and be showered regularly!. More than likely she will need dementia care. 

So sad. She is about 84 and lived on her own, but would have been a candidate for the show 'Hoarders' It is horrible when an elderly person is in need, but they don't ask for help because they don't know they need it. 

Although I am certain she did the right thing my friend was concerned that the lady was not going to be happy she had initiated this. (we just said it was the doctor's decision, over and over, and eventually she got it.)

G's house is full of the most wonderful things.. a piano that runs on rolls, pictures of family and pets past and present. Ornaments and china (TWO china cabinets full to over flowing) there is a lovely conservatory off the lounge. The unit is totally private. There is sheet music everywhere, and magazines, records and tapes. 

I hope she is able to take some of it with her to wherever she ends up living. 

Mostly fine

Rolling along the path

Taking it as it comes

Some times better than others

Then wham

It hits when least excepted

The universe bites back

karma getting a kick in

Do good people cop it like this

Or just the rotten