September 1st was officially the first day of spring in the southern hemisphere, but today 5 days later really feels like the first day of spring. It's warm, the birds and insects are out in force, and even though we have had no rain for 5 months there are flowers popping up all over.
Click to enlarge.
These delicate little purple flowers are all over, what they're called I don't know. Behind is a fallow field waiting for the first rain.
Only millimeters across.
This one is so small you could put two or three on you're thumb nail and still have space to spare.
The same flowers as above from a different angle. Only nature can get away with mixing purple, yellow and blue.
Tiny flowers with tinier insect guest.
All these photos were taken with my camera lens as close as possible to the flowers.
Saw the first swallow of summer today, seems to have out flown his mates from where ever it was they spent the winter.
White-throated swallow. This guy looked a bit lonely, but I suppose the rest will arrive in the next couple of day.
Saturday the 1st of September is officially the first day of spring here in the southern hemisphere and also the opening day for trout fishing on our streams. So you know where I will be, 2 or 3 weight rod in hand.
The weather went from freezing cold this morning, (my car looked like it was made of crystal, it was so covered with ice), to warm this afternoon. So concerned about getting the ice of the windows and get to work, I forgot to take a photo.
At about 4:30 this afternoon I took the dogs for a walk. The thought of going for a walk always drives them mad with joy. While I'm putting my boots on, they wrestle with each other, race in and out of the cottage, get in the way while I'm trying to tie my boot laces, and generally try to hurry me up.
Click on photos to enlarge.
On the way I took this close up of a weathered old fence post. In the Southern hemisphere the moss grows on the south side of trees and on posts, like this one above. To find your way at night you have the Southern Cross, a bright and beautiful constellation of stars.
Sissie caught in full flight, ears flapping, a perpetual motion machine, she only knows one speed, and that's full speed ahead. It's as if she's scared that she will miss something if she doesn't cover as much ground as possible.
First leaves of spring on the top branch of a thorn tree.
Thorn tree, caught in the last rays of the setting sun.
The pathway home, Tombi and Lady in the middle distance. Sissie is somewhere in the tall grass, out of sight looking for adventure, new experiences, who knows?
Tombi and Lady investigating an interesting scent, while Sissie gallops out of picture to right. She found the scent Tombi and Lady are investigating, but she's off to find something new.
Another sign of Spring, black wattle tree in bloom. Soon this tree will be a mass of blooms. Not good if you suffer from hay fever.
The lane approaching the cottage from the south. My cottage lies on the left fork where Lady is standing.
