Kids, grand-kids and dogs...

Then it was my second son, David and grand-son Tyler's turn to come and visit all the way from Perth.

We hadn't seen them for 2 years and it was so good to have them here for 8 days. It wasn't long enough but better than nothing. While waiting for them I witnessed this amazing sun rise. So worthwhile! 

 Unfortunately the weather wasn't the best (very windy and overcast) and didn't get to do all the things we had planned. But we still managed to go for a ride in the boat.

On the way to the boat we were surprised, and lucky to see this turtle on the bank, making its way towards the high grass.

Tyler and Freja had a very good time, playing together. And he enjoyed the "recycled slippery dip".

He was also fascinated with firing  "old Benny", as night time was still a bit chilly.

On the Saturday, I had the pleasure of having all my kids and grand-kids around me together all at once. First time in the last 12 years and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Mark (my first son) came with his bike (mean machine…)

And Ursula came with Nate and Alyssa in the car.

Steve (my third son) and Colin came up from Townsville with Liana for a couple of days.

The dogs were happy to see each other again as well and played together... like dogs do. But we had to lock them inside at times, while the kids were playing outside.

Liana tried to comfort Svenne and his sore back.

And Colin... or is it the "Dog Whisperer", tried his best to train Freja!

As for Liana, I think she really enjoyed her stay...

Unfortunately all good things have to come to an end, and it was time to say good bye.

I hate goodbyes…

But the good memories stay forever!

The house, now feels so empty and quiet and we're back to our routine ...

Ree, Joel and Marika's Visit

We had the pleasure of having Ree, Joel, Jesper and Soren's visit a couple of weeks ago.

It was nice catching up with them and to meet Soren for the first time.

He is three months old now and such a beautiful and happy baby.

Jesper has grown up a lot and helped dad and farfar to concrete the slab next to the bedroom.

Soren and Jesper's name and hand print were written in the slab forever.

We celebrated Joel's birthday while they were here.

Hugs and cuddles went aplenty, 

 and Jesper enjoyed looking at the cows with farfar...

the cranes flying in a clear blue sky...

 and playing with Freja, and a "recycled tricycle".

While Soren relaxed, played, ate and slept like a baby!

Marika and Jack also came for a quick visit.  Baby Jack is almost 6 weeks old now and he's adorable.

His name is also in the slab which  we were pouring on the day he was born.

Svenne had his hands full with his grand-sons and enjoyed every minute of it.

Joel and Svenne put the boat in the lake (as we had taken it up for maintenance). As they were coming back home they found plants discarded on the farmer's land by one of the neighbours . 

They are now new additions to our garden. Thanks Joel!

Their stay was unfortunately too short and we hope they'll be back soon.

Suddenly it's spring!...

Two weeks ago, on a cold afternoon, we spotted two eagles hunting around our house, swooping down in the farmer's land in search of a tasty dinner. They ended up landing in a tree, next to the lake. It was quite magnificent to observe these majestic birds and we just sat on the veranda and looked at them for about an hour. Much better than looking at the television...

Notice the tree... No leaves.

  The weather has now warmed up, the deciduous trees are burgeoning with new tender green leaves,

Same tree... two weeks later.

 The birds warm up around the lake after a feed… Yes the water level in the lake has come down!

Spring is here! We haven't had proper rain for a while and the grass is slowly turning brown. So the farmer has started  irrigating his land with this old contraption.

Archaic but effective

 Our first visitor was Phil, our old mate. When he and Svenne went to the tip to unload some rubbish, they came across some…. Firewood. 

So, in the van it went and ended up in the shed for next year's winter.

Unloading from the van

Firewood drying for next year's winter

 We had a blue moon while he was here, 

Blue moon rising

Observing the moon

Blue moon at its best

and a delicious feed of wild hare…

Hare for dinner

 The sky was very overcast for a few days but the wind (which has been constant now for at least 6 weeks) has blown them away and apart for a drizzle now and again, it remains dry.

The cranes have been around the lake at night , waking us up in the morning with their very distinctive and loud call, while flying next to our house to go inland.

Going to the lake...

Going inland

 My irises are flowering...

We can't ignore the seasons here!