Peaceful post-Christmas

It is always such a contrast - the hectic whirly-burly of frantic activity leading up to Christmas and then the quiet, peaceful calm post-celebration. Admittedly I shy away from the 'sales' where I understand frenzy reigns, so tend to find the city streets almost deserted. Last Christmas holidays the weeks were spent peacefully driving along the empty roads to and from Cabrini Hospital where my darling was a patient (his thumb reattached by a plastic surgeon after his circular saw accident, but his continuing fight against infection needing constant medical care). This year we are again in Melbourne, thankfully injury free, and spending our days quietly 'pottering'.


One of our regular walks is through the lovely bushland, wetlands reserve which runs along the creek close to our home. The cycle path runs through this area and was the reason we bought this particular house (see a previous post 'City living'). This morning the weather was inviting so we set off and only 2 or 3 minutes later we were in this beautiful place. If you look carefully in the above picture you can see a heron atop an old stump in part of the swampy, wet area, whereas below shows how dry the undergrowth really is.


Since our hot, smoky days we have had some rain which has made a difference to the grassy patches - and you can even see some 'green' beyond the gum tree in the following image ...


The dogs always accompany us and today was extra-special for them as a ball was found. They are quite good at sharing ...


but are so enthusiastic with the chase they return home exhausted but always wanting you to throw it again. Roger headed for some shade while Jess went straight to the water bowl.