Day 324 - Relief after a very hot day

Sometime during the afternoon of an extremely hot day (lucky us in the library with air conditioning), we heard the rumble of thunder and waited for the welcome sound of rain. Instead the fire siren sounded and we walked, grumbling, into large but sparse drops of rain and - finally - a coolish breeze. Three fire trucks later, pointing to the dust storm as the cause of the alert, we returned to work. Driving home, it was good to wind down the windows and feel the cool air rushing in.

After dinner, I could smell the wet greenness through the open windows, so I decided to go for a walk to check out garden casualties.

Spring growth has added size to trees.

This is the only rose on the bush; the others have already bloomed and dried out. I'm happy to see the kangaroo paws starting to flower (pictured above).

Day 323 - Ducklings to ducks

Our ducklings have grown into ducks. Surprising, that. I haven't seen them for a while so I had to follow them for a quick pic today. Wonder why they're not cooling off in the pond, considering today's mid-30s temperature.

The next picture has captured the indecision of a couple of the ducks. Which way?

Day 322 - Movember

Here is Mr 19's Movember progress. He looks pleased with himself. Movember is a good cause, raising money for research into prostate cancer and depression in men. It's also a time when men donning moustaches can get free Grill'd burgers.

Day 321 - Unexpected tenant

Just outside our back doors above the verandah and easily visible from inside, a small possum has taken up residence in a precarious spot on a beam under the eaves. I'm not sure why he/she's chosen this spot but I'm surprised he/she hasn't taken advantage of the large tree growing over this area. I'm guessing the shelter of the eaves and adjacent vine makes this prime real estate. Or else the little creature is confused.

Initially I thought the branches and leaves on the verandah were failed attempts at a bird nest, so imagine my surprise when I discovered it was no bird.

Day 320 - Last day

Our last day was sunny and windy. I started mentally preparing myself to leave this timeless place and slow pace. I wanted to miss nothing; to notice the small, insignificant things...

to appreciate the history of the buildings, and hope they will be preserved.

We travelled 20 minutes to Queenscliff in the afternoon. It's a quiet, old-fashioned looking place. Well, it's actually not so quiet during the music festival.



We were sad to leave Barwon Heads. We've booked a year ahead to come again. It's a very popular place.

Day 319 - Second day

Fresh air, sun, relaxation and good company. We spent many hours reading, chatting, eating and drinking on the front verandah.

Blue is one of the most beautiful colours - expansive, transparent and calming.

Day 318 - Back to Barwon Heads

Just returned from a lovely, lovely long weekend at Barwon Heads. The first picture shows the restaurant on the pier where we had lunch almost as soon as we arrived. It's walking distance from our cabin. The second picture shows work on the new bridge that nobody wanted. Last time we were here - some time in July - there was significant protest about this development, and we were sad to see it had made no difference. What a shame the small, unobtrusive bridge will be replaced by a large, modern one (as well as an adjacent footbridge).

Later in the day, Mr 16 and his aunt played Bocce.

The picture below shows how close to the sea we were staying.

It really is heaven on earth here. I hope it always stays this way.