It’s been a while – hardly jumping on planes, catching trains, or riding ferries across the Irish Sea. Things are a bit quieter these days! We’ve been here on Phillip Island for over a year – seems longer in many ways. The gardens are growing like crazy – colour everywhere. Always weeding and replanting to do. Lots of outside maintenance – Reg is currently cleaning out gutters, sweeping off spiderwebs. Always picking up windfall. I’ve weeded my little heart heart the last few weeks. Our two green wheelie bins have been “chockers”. Then there’s cleaning the house and cottage – preparing for new guests. Dusting, scrubbing bathrooms, vacuuming, changing linen. The clothesline is always full. Brings back memories from my childhood – no formal clothes line on the farm. Just wire, posts and props. Here we have wire strung between trees down near the bottom of the garden. Works well.
The bird life here is still amazing – different ones come and go depending on the time of year. A big fluffy kookaburra has been visiting of late – sometimes on his own, sometimes with a friend. The Ibis are back in town – always make the most of our two birdbaths. Definitely not shy. Also plenty of magpies, crows, galahs, parrots and plovers. The plovers are especially protective of their eggs and chicks – makes going for walks very dicey at times. Hoodie up, move quickly!! Umbrellas and big sticks also handy. We catch up regularly with Pepe – a very cute black poodle who lies next door. I lift him over the fence while his “mum” Sylvia is out and about. He loves a run in the garden and a cuddle inside on the couch! He’s been in trouble lately for escaping from his yard – has visited the local cafe, the general store and also his friend Archie. Archie is a bigger black poodle who lives in the next street. Fortunately most people in the town know Pepe and Sylvia is usually notified of his whereabouts. I happened to notice him trotting past our house the other day – head down, sniffing everything in sight – not a care in the world. Major repairs on the fence are happening as we speak!
We do actually leave Rhyll. The odd “big day out” in Wonthaggi – more shops to choose from. Also help run the “Chat and Chew Drop In Centre” in Cowes on a Friday. I somehow ended up on the committee – vice-chair. Never quite sure how these things happen! Recently re-visited Churchill Island – sits off of the north coast of Phillip Island – joined by a short bridge. Working farm, picnic areas and cafe. Sheep and cattle grazing happily. Also some lovely walks. Looped around the west coast of the island – nice walkway – views back over to Rhyll. Must visit again – heaps more to see.
Cheers for now
Di and Reg
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That bull has a better hair style than me! Which doesn’t take much I know! Looks gorgeous there!
ha ha – very true xxx
You really do have a green thumb I have often wondered where mine went to now I know you got it all. It looks really lovely .Jan
I am so shocked at the garden and how well things are growing. Not sure how it happened!!!!