Nature's Gift

There is something incredibly uplifting about watching delight wash over your child's face when confronted with the beauty and wonder of nature.

Today we were visited by a beautiful Tawny Frogmouth. He was discovered by hubby perched on the clothesline when he went to hang the washing out (one of the perks of studying - I'm occasionally absolved of the mundane laundry tasks on weekends!). Calling Miss 9 to come and see him, her eyes widened with wonder and joy. Our new friend stayed all day, snoozing on the clothesline. At dusk, he began to stretch and flap a little and we thought that would be the end of his visit. Not so. He has remained with us throughout the evening, following us around - watching hubby and Miss 9 having their after-dinner swim, then peering in from the kitchen window sill while I cleared the dishes. He finally settled only inches from the glass door, sitting on an outdoor wicker chair, gazing at us with large, trusting eyes as we took advantage of this close-range viewing opportunity.

What a 'classroom' this little friend has inspired today - although a weekend, Miss 9 was busy investigating him, printing photos dad took to make a poster, researching his habitat and eating habits, inventing a suitable name for him (she settled on 'Spooky' due to his enormous, unblinking eyes and unwavering gaze). No textbook could have inspired such self-motivated learning, nor would it be discussed excitedly for days to come as I'm sure our new friend will be.

What a gift we have been given - both the affirmation of how blessed we are to have such a joyful, curious child and the reminder of what incredible creatures we share this world with.

Thanks, Spooky!

"This is Australia"

Celebrating Australia Day today really highlighted what a fabulous place we live in.

First, we narrowed down the traditional options: beer & BBQ, beach, being a yobo and playing backyard cricket ... we decided to take the 10 minute ferry to one of the local islands & enjoy the perfect weather in blissful surroundings.

The picnic was packed with chicken sanga's, salt & vinegar chips, fruit, soft drink & of course, wine. Towels thrown over our shoulders & sunscreen dutifully applied, we were on our way. One hiccup we hadn't planned for was the 2km walk with esky, bags, beach balls, books & towels in tow ... apparently around 1000 people had also decided a trip to the island was a great way to spend Australia Day, so the closest parking was half a suburb away!

The Bay was gloriously calm & despite the recent flooding which washed tonnes of topsoil into the usually pristine waters, it was reasonably clear. After walking another 2km to find 'the perfect spot', we finally found our little bit of paradise. Towels ceremoniously laid out on the sand in the shade, we raced each other to be the first to dip our toes in the ocean.

The view: boats of all descriptions bobbing on the water; neighbouring islands on the horizon; gentle waves as far as the eye can see; sun shining brilliantly overhead.

The sounds: the hypnotic whisper of waves lapping the shore; squeals of joy from children being towed behind a boat in an inner tube; soft chatting and boisterous laughter.

The 'crack' of the seal breaking on a bottle of red.

The 'squeak' of a marinated olive against teeth.

The 'sigh' of contentment at the first sip.

This is Australia.

"It's only water"

There are days when you are simply in awe of the strength of the human spirit. During the recent flood disaster, I contacted the hotline and spoke to a female police officer. Her sunny attitude in the face of such devastation was uplifting, but it was her comment when I asked if she herself had been affected that floored me. The entire lower floor of her home had several metres of water in it. When I offered my condolences, she replied with a laugh "Bah ... it's only water!"

What a great attitude to life!