Just lovely this evening.

Catch ya…
K

Well that’s what we used to call him. He has a delightful song and he puzzled my mother, who couldn’t work out what he was. She sent me off to work (I conveniently worked at a zoo) with the instruction to ask someone about “a little grey bird that says boogie woogie”.

I remember sidling up to a keeper who I thought would know. He didn’t bat an eyelid and said it was a Grey Shrike Thrush.

I’m not sure how many are actually around – there’s more than one, that’s for sure. This little chap here was visiting the other morning.

But then he saw the most beautiful creature he’d ever seen… himself.

As you can tell by the garage window, they’re quite enamored with their reflection. My parents have gone as far to install a fellow like this:

He sits in the family room window to deter the birds from sitting on the boots outside while they gaze adoringly at themselves. It has failed. Big time.

It has failed so much that, to my delight, one of the thrushes bought his lady friend to the house, and then proceeded to do his elaborate courtship dance for her in front of the owl. I have no idea what happened after they flew off together but I’d like to think his efforts were rewarded.

Catch ya…
K

I’m on a little bit of a personal mission at the moment. I’m trying to keep my point and shoot handy at all times. I’m feeling the desire to shoot more and consequently the p&s is living in my bag these days.

I’m remembering that it’s about capturing the moment, rather than creating the moment. I’m remembering that 100 years ago photographers used what they had to take the shot.

So, tonight. I’m on the lawn at my parents house. I look over and see my boys under the tulip tree. I reach into the pocket and take the shot. Happy.

I get home and zoom in. And I’m happier.  It really does capture them – the wearisome older brother who really does love the brat, even if he sometimes says he doesn’t. And the future class clown, who will undoubtedly ruin a few grade photos before he’s done.

And then there’s this one. Shootin’ from the hip. And I quite like it.

Catch ya…
K

and tonight the Channel 9 news gave me the best present.

It walked from right to left across behind the presenter. Brilliant. I hardly ever watch the news on commercial channels, but I would more often if I knew this could happen.

Catch ya…
K

I don’t wear make up. Pretty much the only time I bust it out is for weddings. The rest of the time I go au natural.

We have a wedding to go to early next year, so I thought I’d check out eyeshadows now, to avoid shocks in a month or two (like the last time I bought lipstick).

Long story short – hello clearance rack.

When I got back to the car I thought about the last time I bought eyeshadow.

I can’t actually remember when I last bought eyeshadow.

All I can remember is it was at least 15 years ago.

Then I started thinking – wow, this stuff should last me 15 years.

Which means that the next time I will buy eyeshadow is when I’m in my 50’s.

Now there’s a happy thought for the day.

Catch ya…
K

Cooking: Choc Chip Cornflake cookies.

Listening: An Echo in the Bone by Diana Gabaldon.

Watching: ABC Kids.

Feeling: Tired. Always tired.

Making: Halloween papers for a digital kit.

Wishing: For a day without pain.

Drinking: Water.

Wondering: If my medication is working.

Knowing: Nothing.

Enjoying: Dexter

Wanting: To know it will be all ok.

Laughing: At my husband saying “Vampires… they’re so hot right now” a la Zoolander.

Needing: Reassurance.

Thinking: My life is about to be irrevocably changed.

Catch ya…
K

Been and gone. All very low key, with the highlight being cracking out the camera and attempting to get some pics of our alpacas.

My parents have several waratah bushes that are glorious at this time of year.

Mr A feeding young Pedro. Pedro is quite shy but you can see he’d really like to be friends. Lucky Mr A got to feed him and Pedro didn’t run away. It was all very sweet.

Coralea, looking glamorous.

Juan on the left and Pedro on the right. There’s a month between them in age.

My Monkey George, looking handsome. My ultimate plan is to dye his fleece with natural dyes found on the farm.

He’s another one who’d really like to be friends with Mr A…

Juan again…

And Pedro.

What amazes me about these alpacas is how I can see them one day and they’ll be filthy, and then see them another day, and they look like they’ve had a quick set and blow dry.

I guess you can tell I’m quite enamored with them…

Catch ya…
K

Curious indeed.

Catch ya…
K

Mr A + Sophie Boo = BFF

Most of the time, anyway…

Catch ya…
K

The alpacas have arrived. There was what I can only describe as an horrific turn on events at the last minute. The lovely little brown boy (and 7 of his herd-mates, including the main stud alpaca and a little grey male my dad had his heart set on) fell victim to a dog attack last week. Such an awful, distressing thing to happen to these gentle animals, and their caring, compassionate and equally as gentle owners.

So instead of a chocolate brown boy, we have a little grey boy. Meet Pedro.

Yes, that’s him, peeking out of a campervan.

And out he leaps, ready to join his big half brother Monkey George.

That’s Monkey George on the left.

Now I know it looks like we can’t count (1 plus 1 does not equal 5), but there are a couple of extras here to help Monkey and Pedro settle in. On the right is Coralea and her 6 month old boy, and with her back to camera is Minnie. Minnie is 18 and pregnant with her umpteenth baby. She’s a tough chick (and Pedro and Monkey’s mum).

They settled in straight away and are an absolute delight. Their gentle noises to each other, their curiosity and their calmness are a wonder to me. It’s so exciting getting to know not just 5 new animals, but a new species that I have only known and admired from a distance.

It’s been a long journey to get them here. 8 months of setbacks and delays, of fires and illness, but it is so good to see them here, and have them join our family.

Catch ya…
K