Time to be out and about now the fire risk has subsided. My own garden is a disaster, with only the natives and hydrangeas holding up. But how is everything else going in this awful heatwave I wonder?
Well, to my great surprise an ibis has taken up residence at the duckpond. That’s a first. Presumably the bird is a refugee from dried up wetlands further west. For a long time the pond has been a Little Cormorant’s territory and the poor fellow won’t be happy to see this large intruder! The waterline is dreadfully low, exposing a dirty little secret….trash from we careless humans.
The caravan park is empty when normally it would be packed with visitors.
I make a right turn turn into Soldiers’ Memorial Park, through the controversial new gates. The brickwork looks peculiar. Is that due to the heat?
Goodness, there are a few kids in the swimming pool. The smoke can’t be good for their little lungs.
Mr Satin Bowerbird is still going about his business, bless his heart. On the area above the sheltered bower the grass is so dry it’s like walking on rice bubbles.
Out into Park Avenue. Dear me…I wonder whether azaleas this far gone will ever recover? They are so shallow rooted. It’s otherwise a well tended garden, so maybe the owner left during the fires.
There are still some brave old roses to cheer me up outside Jenni’s house on the corner, and next door at Helen’s Rose Folly cottage.
Look at all the blooms on this old-fashioned hydrangea beyond the kindergarten. They are tough plants alright. I think the house is about the same vintage as the shrub..
The apples further along look as hot and tired as me. I doubt they will reach maturity.
Left turn into Wentworth Street. I always stop to read the little blackboard sign outside exotic Lotus Temple. I need some gentle philosophy.
TROUBLED TIMES
Finally, into the village proper. The shops and cafes are all worryingly quiet for a Sunday. Fires and an extended heatwave are not good for a local economy which relies on tourism. In an effort to help, I buy a couple of garden treasures from the Victory Antiques Centre. It’s a dilemma to decide where to go for coffee when everyone is desperate for customers.
I’m heavily laden by the time I head home. Just as well it’s a downhill walk. My darling husband wasn’t that impressed with my purchases, but I love them.
What a contrast it all is to the same walk in SPRING
The landmark arrival of Blackheath’s first bin-chicken seems to have gone unremarked in the mainstream press – thank you Pauline for your journalistic diligence, telling the stories that others won’t.
Thanks Matt. I have been observing and writing about the birdlife here for nearly twenty years, so I notice the telling changes.
Wow! That sounds awfully hot. I love heat, but there is a limit even for me. It’s sad to see plants and shrubs dry up. I hope things cool down soon for all of you. Though it’s nothing like a heat wave, we have been having unusually “warm” weather here in Southwestern Ontario. It has been up to 11′ at least, maybe more, and we’re having a lot of rain rather than snow. It was 2′ this morning when I went to sleep, but has been raining all day. It’s so good to be able to get back to reading your posts again. My computer was out of commission for over 7 weeks, but on Christmas after dinner one of my guests was able to fix it in short order. He’s not an IT guy, the the man who got it and set it up for me and has done any work needed since just didn’t get around to coming. Fortunately he told my other friend what he thought the problem might be and here I am back again. Hope your Christmas was a good one in spite of the heat.
Oh dear, I am envious of your rain, Diane. Our country is in such a dire state with drought and bushfires. Some of your lovely firefighters are here helping us. We were worried we might lose our new, unfinished house for a few days, but thankfully there was a cool change and we were able to enjoy our first Christmas in it. Happy New Year to you.
Thank you Pauline for your flaneurial skills and writing.I almost feel as if I am going for a stroll with you and seeing through your eyes. I send some post some to my ex South coast gardening girl / 84 year old mother in neutral bay who enjoys them just as much
Thanks John. I’m so glad your mother enjoys the articles too. We lived in Mosman for 20 years, so I know Neutral Bay very well.