WEEKLY CHAT (non-osprey topics) SUNDAY, APRIL 4, 2015

And finally, a photo of Ms.D opening a present at her 4th birthday party. You can tell by the look on her face she's intrigued by the books (sent by my sister in the UK and also by another friend here in the states).  When the party was over and everyone was gone, Ms. D went straight to the books, asking her Mom to read to her! Do hope it remains a lifetime interest.  In case you're wondering, her b/day is St. Patrick's Day so granddaughter always does a St. Paddy's Day theme; do wish my own Irish Mom were alive to enjoy it...

Annette, It doesn't seem that long since you cleared the tree of it's oranges and here it is in blossom again to start another cycle. My OH's Australian cousin has sent us photographs of her Protea bush. It is a lovely bush. I love the Monarch butterfly, with it's stained glass window design An excellent photograph
When I think of the anguish you went through when your granddaughter was pregnant and now, looking at this beautiful little ( not so little in height ) girl, you must be so proud. She suits green. I do hope her passion for books continues.

Brenda: That butterly photo was taken with my iPhone and it's better than the small point-and-click Nikon I have, which still has too many moving parts!

For anyone who's interested the ravens are nesting at Wellesley College again this year!  They are incubating three eggs.

I've started a thread here.

Sunshine never really made it today – nearly broke through the mist several times, but not what we were promised. Can’t grumble; we achieved quite a lot in the garden and enjoyed a great meal out – and caught the end of the National Vintage Tractor Road Run as we were setting off home!

RITA – what pretty Daffs, with the salmon-coloured centres! I agree, it is good to enjoy windows and doors open without the cold wind. Pleased the Tortoises have come through another hibernation and were able to enjoy some sunshine! My only Clematis – which should be an early-flowering variety - was beheaded by OH a few weeks ago, thinking he was doing the right thing; I await any signs of life! I don’t really do a lot in the garden, because I can’t, but I do what I can to help OH with the things I can reach, or that he can lift to working height for me.

ANNETTE – I hope your garden receives that expected rain this week – so long as it isn’t heavy enough to do damage. Lovely photos of Orange Blossom, Monarch Caterpillar and Butterfly and Proteas, but young Miss D outshines them all! She is such a lovely-looking child!

CLARE – thanks for Ravens link – I like Ravens.

Now bedtime – tomorrow will be another stay-at-home gardening day!

Annette - love the photos of the orange blossoms and protea flowers. Your GD looks as though she might be enjoying the book, lets hope the interest does stay with her.

Rita - lovely long post and nice to hear from you as from all of you.

Been to church this morning - accepted into membership which felt humbling and right for me.  We then went on to our son's for Sunday lunch and his OH did a superb meal as usual. Thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Not doing much tomorrow although OH hopes to get the lawns cut!!!

Thanks for your Easter message, Rita

OG - nice to hear you had a good day.  Sun didn't come out till late afternoon here but it did stay dry.

I still can't post my sheep photo from Karoonda. So, no babies either.

Annette - Mary McKillop (Aussieland's first saint) founded an order of nuns who taught the poor, hence the kiddies. My next trip is a weekend in Mount Gambier on 18th, followed a week later by 10 days in western district of Victoria, staying in Hamilton & Stawell.