..and then this happened.

 

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 this cheery beauty looked up at me. My heart breaks every time I watch the news these days, the earthquake in Turkey/Syria is beyond devastating, so many lives lost. There is a lot to deal with in the world these days, we have to find that little bit of hope wherever we find it 🌺 One of these days I will take up my camera and tread further than my garden :) 

Happy Christmas from Perth..

 

'Kwobidak Koondarm' (Beautiful Dreams) the name given to the mural above by the parents of the three sisters painted in Collie by Shakey. Here's wishing you a happy Christmas and healthy new year. Hopefully a better year than the last which in the words of the late Queen Elizabeth was an 'annus horribilis'. Onward and upwards is not as easy as it sounds. Take care, hopefully catch up in some form or another in the new year. Take care and stay safe..

RIP little sister..

 

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 to see the wildflowers and even a trip into the city to see the Van Gogh exhibition. We will cherish those times. All of the images here are from my garden where I have spent most of my time these last few days, often accompanied by my little feline companion. It will take however long it takes but I do hope to come back in one form or another.. we'll see. Take care and stay safe..

Time out..

 

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 take care of yourselves and stay safe 💙

Location location location..

 

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..

Dogs cats and other stuff..

 

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 weekend, happy Monday, take care and stay safe..

Visit Sami to see more Monday Murals from around the world..

The Beach Bar..

 

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 😉