Shelton Road

Hi everyone, how are you?  It's turned a bit nippy the last few days in Melbourne with only12C yesterday with rain and hail.  That might seem warm to some living in the colder areas of the world but 12C is a winter temperature for us.

Although Sunday was horrible weather wise we did have some sunshine Saturday afternoon so hubby and I went for a small drive not too far from where we live.  We were looking for something in particular and after finding it, decided to keep driving in the area to see what we could discover.  Shelton Road is in Pakenham Upper, South East of Melbourne and runs through a pretty little valley with Toomuc Creek running through mostly farming properties.

Being a lover of countryside, I just had to stop and take in the scenery and take a photo or two to trial our new camera.  The old camera broke unfortunately so it's time to learn all about this new one.

These first three photos are of Toomuc Creek which is rather swampy and dirty in places.  Unfortunately someone had dumped four old tyres in one part of the creek, the kind of behaviour that makes me angry.

 

It was quite beautiful along this section of Shelton Road with lovely trees overhanging and green grass from the recent rains we've had.

I couldn't see cows without taking a photo now could I?!

 I love the how the sunlight is catching the top of the cow's backs.

This big bull just stood and stared at us as we were walking around.  I ventured a little closer to say hello but he got all huffy and puffy indicating his displeasure.

This tree is magnificent and I badly wanted to climb it but chickened out.

We could hear bellbirds as we drove along but they are difficult to photograph so you will have to make do with the image and bird call sounds at this link.  It was a lovely way to spend a couple of hours on the weekend, we'll have to do it again soon.

Anne xx

Healesville

This morning saw me setting of at 9am with Genevieve and boyfriend in tow to Healesville Sanctuary.  The drive out there is quite lovely with the first part of the journey through Sherbrooke forest in the Dandenong Ranges, through Silvan, a semi rural area and then onto the Yarra Valley.  We had allowed an hour to get to the Sanctuary which would have given us ten minutes or so to spare but unfortunately there had been a bad car accident just before our turn off and the police had to redirect us to another route adding an extra half hour travelling time.  We arrived 20 minutes late but as other people in the uni group excursion were also affected by the accident, it wasn't too much of a problem.

After dropping my passengers at the Sanctuary, I headed back into the town of Healesville in the search of coffee.  I found a little retro/vintage style cafe called The Gilded Lily which served wonderful coffee and when I asked if I could have a home baked mixed berry muffin as well, I certainly wasn't expecting one the size of a small dessert.  It was delicious and I certainly didn't need lunch as I was so full.

I sat in the window to enjoy what little winter sunshine was peaking through the clouds while alternately reading my book and people watching.

After coffee I strolled along the main street wandering in and out a few shops that took my fancy.  One shop sold all manner of beautiful home wares from Turkey but unfortunately were out of my price range.  I stumbled on a gorgeous shop selling candles, candle holders, soaps and all manner of pretty things.  The range of candles and holders easily rivalled Dusk and in fact I think the range was probably more varied and affordable.  This is one shop I will be visiting again.

Further along the street I found this yarn bombing effort.  Someone has even made a kookaburra which can be seen just under the light.

My journey home involved taking the alternate route as the road was still closed from the car accident.  I didn't mind at all as I'd not travelled it before and the scenery was lovely.  I stopped to take a few photos but I must apologise for the quality as it seems something has happened to my camera and there are blurred patches here and there.

So that was my morning out which was most enjoyable.  Any opportunity to get out into rural areas and I'll take it.

Anne xx

Weekend mini holiday

Hello everyone.  Today hubby and I went out for the day as we both needed a break away from the usual weekend routine.  Hubby has been hard at work on remodeling our pergola and as it is half way to completion, I thought it would be a good time for us to have a little weekend holiday.

We had two possible destinations in mind either the Yarra Valley which is full of wineries and is beautiful in the autumn or the Mornington Peninsula which means we could drive through beautiful country, visit the sea and a mariner.  The Peninsula won our vote.

We had a leisurely start to the day not leaving super early as it is only a bit over an hours drive to the Peninsula from our home.  Our first stop was Yaringa Marina where we had coffee and a look at the boats.

This part of the coast is very swampy with mangroves growing and at low tide, the mud crabs come out to feed.  As it was low tide while we were visiting, we saw a number of crabs like the one below.  I lent over the rail from where we were having coffee to take this photo.  There were many crabs out and about but as soon as they sense movement, they run back into their holes for protection.

After coffee we headed for Flinders, a lovely town on the coast.  We decided to take some of the back roads which are far more interesting than the main roads.  When I saw this handsome fella, I asked hubby to stop the car so I could go and say hello.

We communed for about 5 minutes.  He had a super soft velvety mouth and face and was quite happy to let me pet him.  For an animal lover, this was truly one of the highlights of my day.  Further down the road we came across this quirky display of road side mail boxes.  Do you think someone was having a party by any chance with those balloons on display?

I particularly like the old green plastic toolbox being used as a mailbox.

These ducks were having a wonderful time in the water with a good deal of squabbling going on.  As soon as I came closer they all headed away out of the water so I was unable to get a closer photo of them.

This is Stumpy Gully Road where the above three photos were taken.

We passed a couple of people bike riding along the road, it was a beautiful day for it.

We had lunch in Flinders at this little place which was extremely busy although I managed to take this photo without anyone entering or exiting.  We sat outside in a little nook just behind the shrubbery on the left of the photo.  How could hubby and I resist the "Boozy Beef Pie" with salad?  It was delicious.  Hic!

 From the Flinders coast you can see a view of Phillip Island which is just 5 miles away across the water.  Unfortunately the "Boozy Beef Pie" rendered it impossible for me to take a photo with a level horizon.   Sorry.  Hic!

A pretty coastal view. 

The pier and houses belonging to some wealthy folk.

After visiting Flinders I asked hubby if we could visit Cannons Creek on the way home.  Cannons Creek is  another community on a coastal mangrove swampy area which we have visited many times over the years.  It was low tide while we were there today.  The shore is muddy and sticky rather than sandy but I love it as it's such a peaceful place.  The first time I saw this yellow house I fell in love with it and have always wanted to live in it, it's right on the water front.

Low tide.
.

This board walk on the foreshore takes you to the (my) yellow house and an old boat launching area.

This photo is an overgrown resting area on the board walk and the view seen when you are sitting on the seat.  :)  Hubby took the photo of me sitting on the seat and I'm sorry it's blurry.  I included it because I think I look ridiculous, you can't even see my head for overgrown foliage.  :)

The old boat launching area.

Look at this tired old boat.  I love the anchor.

After our return walk along the board walk, it was time to head home.  We had one more stop on the way home but you'll see what that was all about when I post the March scavenger photo hunt photos.  Stay tuned!

Now it's time to iron school uniforms and business shirts for the week ahead.  Our little break away for the day was lovely and I think I'll be planning another one soon.

Have a fantastic week,

Anne  xx

I've been tagged

New to the blogging world I was not aware of tagging until a few days ago.  It seems that Cheryl

at the lovely blog "Time to Craft" has indeed tagged me.  So here goes with answering the questions.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

1.  If you could spend time with a historical figure, who would it be?

It would have to be Michelangelo.  I read a fictional book when I was 14 about his life and the time he was working on his famous sculpture of David. 

2.  What kitchen appliance could you not do without?

That would have to be the bread making machine.  I make bread in it everyday using wholemeal flour and yummy seeds.  My family just loves the bread.

3.  Is your heart in the town or the country?

Definitely the country.  I grew up on a farm and I miss the wide open spaces.  I'm especially sensitive to the fact that many people living in the city (not all), are totally ignorant to how and where their food is grown, and how incredibly hard people work to produce it.

4.  Your three favourite books.

"These old Shades" by Georgette Heyer.  This was the first adult book I read at age 14 and I just fell in love with reading all over again.  The next one would be the fictional book I read about Michelangelo when I was also 14.  Unfortunately I can't remember the title or the author although I have tried to looking for it.  Third favourite would be "Hidden Treasures" by Nora Roberts.  I just love the story and the characters.

5.  Favourite childhood place?

This is so easy to answer, the hay shed.  I use to climb up into the hay with a hessian sack to sit on, a good book and an apple and  would read for hours.  I'd usually be accompanied by a cat or two.  Our hay shed was not like a barn.  It had a roof and one wall made from corrugated iron, so three sides were open to the fresh air.

6.  Are you superstitious?

My first answer would be no, but then I remember I say "touch wood".  I don't know if that is considered being superstitious.

7.  Tea or coffee?

Both.  I love my tea and coffee.

8.  What is your favourite pudding?

My Grandma's trifle and bombe alaska.  Unfortunately my Grandma has passed away so I only have sweet lingering memories.

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Now I have to tag a few other people and think of some questions for you.  OK, here goes with the questions.

1.  What is your favourite hobby?

2.  Do you like to drink your tea or coffee out of a stoneware or fine china?

3.  Favourite holiday destination to date?

4.  Do you have a favourite specialist stop, i.e. bookstore, craft/wool shop, delicatessen (food) etc.

5.  What is your favourite flower?

6.  Your favourite item of clothing?

7.  Where do you like to swim, beach, swimming pool, river, or lake?

8.  What colour eyes do you have?

The people I've tagged are:

Danae at Nae Chic.  Danae makes the most beautiful bags.

Louise of Ramblings of a Roachling.  Louise loves walking in the countryside and takes the most gorgeous  photos to show us where she has been.

Aubrey from Rambling with Me.  Aubrey is an Aussie too and lives in the country on a farm.  I'm envious.  She is also Mum to Kate of "Greedy for Colour" fame.  Hi Aubrey.  :-)

Diana of "Creating Balance: My Rich Life".  Diana is such a sweetie and makes me think.

Chantal of "Chantal Vincent Art"  I recently discovered Chantal and she INSPIRES me.  Thank you Chantal for sharing your creative world with us.

Just because I've tagged you lovely ladies above doesn't mean you have to participate.  It does take time, but I would love to know a little more about you and I'd love other people to visit your blogs 'cos I love them!!!

Have a lovely day everyone.

Anne xx