If you have read my last few posts you will know that 2022 was not a good year for my family, and by that I mean it was the worst of years! After a long and courageous battle with cancer my younger sister passed away in October and then after avoiding Covid during 2020/2021 my whole extended family succumbed just before Christmas 2022, what timing! The year was saved by the arrival of my Sydney famille, grandchildren are the best. Somewhere in the blur of that period I planted many dahlia seedlings, far too late in the season and just when I was about to give up hope of them flowering ..read more

  If I had a single flower for every time I think of you, I could walk forever in my garden.. Although we were unbelievably lucky to have my young sister with us for a few extra months longer than were expected I am heartbroken to say that her inspirational and courageous battle is now over and she was laid to rest this week. Every member of our family and her many friends will miss her in their own special way, she was a light in all of our lives and it is impossible at this time to imagine her not being here. We spent the time we had well, visiting Araluen to see the tulips, trips out ..read more

  You might have noticed that it has been difficult for me to give PDP the attention needed these days, so I will hang up my blogging hat for a while and concentrate on the things happening in my close family circle that need my full love and care. I could easily put up a daily picture but I feel it is not fair as I don't have the time to reciprocate the visits that come my way. This is not the end as I still have much to share with you but for the moment I won't say goodbye but rather see you sometime in the not too far future. Thank you so much for all the support you have given PDP ta ..read more

  Birds really are fascinating to watch. I took these shots sitting on a bench beside Bibra Lake. This particular stick coming out of the water was obviously exactly the right height to perch on while bending to have a drink. The squabbling over that prime piece of real estate was entertaining to watch, corellas swooping in from every direction for their turn on the perfect stick.. much more fun than watching people do the same thing.. for a bigger stick! Happy Tuesday, take care and stay safe ..read more

  You never know what you might find down the laneways in the inner metro suburb of Highgate. The gentle face of the dog above doesn't seem to fit in with the rest of the 'over zealous' art along the lane.. leading to the question what came first the dog or the ferocious puss and other stuff :) Not usually a fan of graffiti, the bold striking colours often described as a 'confronting genre of art symbolizing the here and now, the ultimate style statement with an edge'. I did find the colours and intricate folds of this piece below quite appealing, what do you think? Hope you had a good ..read more

  Do you have a favourite place to chill? This is one of ours, The Beach Bar on City Beach. The coffee is good, the food is good, the 70/80's music is super cool and well, the view is fabulous.. wish you could come and hang for a while. You might have guessed I'm struggling a bit at the moment to come to grips with a few things going on here right now, I thank you for being so patient with me. Hope you have a fab weekend, take care and stay safe.. P.s. that horizon looks as squiffy as moi ..read more

  Who can resist a man in a kilt.. not I :) This year's Anzac Day parade was a wonderful sight to behold. Out of the 600,000 young Australians who fought in WW11 it is believed there are fewer than 3000 still with us, I often wonder what they must think of the world we live in today. Since WW1, supposedly the war to end all wars, nothing has changed, powerful men are still sending young men and women off to fight and die to satisfy their greed for possession and power, when and how will it end! Stay safe and take care ..read more

  A little late I know. I didn't make it to the Anzac Dawn Service this year but I did go in for the parade a bit later in the day. Government House, built between 1859 and 1864, looked splendid surrounded by swathes of red poppies, over 52,500 poppies, not just red but purple poppies representing the animals caught up in the conflict and white poppies representing anyone caught up in the crossfire of war. A short video HERE (hope the link works) if you would like to see the how's and why's. Will show a few pics of the parade tomorrow, it was, as always, immensely moving. Happy Wednesday ..read more

  I confess I haven't been into the city for quite a while, hopefully that will be put to rights on Thursday after an appointment. It has been a few months since I spotted the delightful floral mural here in a dreary laneway off Murray Street. Can't find any details but I feel that by depicting the roots of the Australian native blooms that it may have a symbolic meaning, I was pleased to discover it and it certainly brightens up this spot. Happy Tuesday, take care and stay safe.. Visit Sami to see more Monday Murals from around the world ..read more

  The May theme for City Daily Photo bloggers around the world is shadows. Unlike reflections that require a shiny surface shadows need lots of light, sunlight is something we are not short of here in WA :) My peaceful place is walking among trees, trees that give shade during our long hot summers are a joy. Coincidentally, although a wee bit late, also tying into World Earth Day (the canopy project).  As much as I love those tree shadows I can't wait for a few more of the shadow/reflections? below, I shouldn't complain.. we have had one rainy day this year :) My Sydney family hav ..read more