Christmas is different things to different people. I hope readers of my blogs have a safe and pleasant Christmas season, followed by a healthy and satisfying 2010. To those who might be alone, or lonely, low in spirit or down in luck, I send a special cheerio, hoping you find reason to smile over the holiday period.
Grahame and I are volunteering at the local Samaritans charity luncheon for the lonely and disadvantaged of the region on Christmas day. Those who find themselves alone on Christmas day might find similar events in your area - please do take advantage of the services on offer and join in the Christmas fun.
We were going to head out to the bush for a few days of wandering and bird watching in the Pilliga Forests afterward, but we now find the northwest of the state is expecting flooding, so we will stay home and enjoy local nature pursuits in the cooler than usual temperatures that are predicted for the Hunter.
I would like to say thank you and 'seasons greetings' to fellow bloggers who I enjoy reading, and who visit my blog - in particular Denis from Nature of Robertson, who shares my love and exasperation of terrestrial orchids. The work Denis puts into environmental awareness and action is admirable and inspirational. Likewise, local nature and environmental blogger /activist, Sharyn from The Woman on the Mountain, is an inspiration and a friendly nature lover with whom I can relate well.
Catherine from Slightly Nutty shares aspects of her life and thoughts on her blog. I'm so pleased I found her blog as I can identify with many of the issues that are near or dear to her. I'm also glad I found Tricia from Little eco footprints who is sharing her trials and tribulations of living her life in suburbia as environmentally sustainably as possible. Tricia is reasonably local (Newcastle), so her postings on local events and issues are of particular interest to me.
Bill is my friend. He shares his life challenges and achievements on Blogger Bill. He has valuable knowledge and life experience to share. Gouldiae always has entertaining tales to tell of his trips into nature and working in an outdoor environment.
Other nature blogs that I enjoy include: Esperance Blogs, where author William shares his extensive and expert knowledge of the environment, along with his good eye for detailed observation; Tyto Tony is always on the lookout for amazing photo opportunities of amazing wildlife of the Tyto Wetlands of Ingham; Duncan from Ben Cruachan - Natural History shares the natural wonders of his area of Victoria; and of course there are more.
Dressing the tree is somewhat of a family get-together tradition for me, so we ended up dressing a twig pruned from my daughter's overgrown garden well before Christmas when my son and his family visited from out of town. It's somewhat bedraggled now, but it was lovely when it was green. And the littlies haven't noticed that Ma's Christmas tree is falling to bits.
Grahame and I are volunteering at the local Samaritans charity luncheon for the lonely and disadvantaged of the region on Christmas day. Those who find themselves alone on Christmas day might find similar events in your area - please do take advantage of the services on offer and join in the Christmas fun.
We were going to head out to the bush for a few days of wandering and bird watching in the Pilliga Forests afterward, but we now find the northwest of the state is expecting flooding, so we will stay home and enjoy local nature pursuits in the cooler than usual temperatures that are predicted for the Hunter.
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I would like to say thank you and 'seasons greetings' to fellow bloggers who I enjoy reading, and who visit my blog - in particular Denis from Nature of Robertson, who shares my love and exasperation of terrestrial orchids. The work Denis puts into environmental awareness and action is admirable and inspirational. Likewise, local nature and environmental blogger /activist, Sharyn from The Woman on the Mountain, is an inspiration and a friendly nature lover with whom I can relate well.
Catherine from Slightly Nutty shares aspects of her life and thoughts on her blog. I'm so pleased I found her blog as I can identify with many of the issues that are near or dear to her. I'm also glad I found Tricia from Little eco footprints who is sharing her trials and tribulations of living her life in suburbia as environmentally sustainably as possible. Tricia is reasonably local (Newcastle), so her postings on local events and issues are of particular interest to me.
Bill is my friend. He shares his life challenges and achievements on Blogger Bill. He has valuable knowledge and life experience to share. Gouldiae always has entertaining tales to tell of his trips into nature and working in an outdoor environment.
Other nature blogs that I enjoy include: Esperance Blogs, where author William shares his extensive and expert knowledge of the environment, along with his good eye for detailed observation; Tyto Tony is always on the lookout for amazing photo opportunities of amazing wildlife of the Tyto Wetlands of Ingham; Duncan from Ben Cruachan - Natural History shares the natural wonders of his area of Victoria; and of course there are more.
You have all enriched my life. Merry Christmas to all !
Dressing the tree is somewhat of a family get-together tradition for me, so we ended up dressing a twig pruned from my daughter's overgrown garden well before Christmas when my son and his family visited from out of town. It's somewhat bedraggled now, but it was lovely when it was green. And the littlies haven't noticed that Ma's Christmas tree is falling to bits.
8 comments:
That lovely photo brought a smile to my face, and it helps your various readers to put a face to the heart and mind you generously share with the world. Peace and happiness to you and to all from Bill.
Hi Gaye.
Happy Christmas. I am sure your clients at the local Christmas lunch will appreciate your and Grahame's generosity.
Thanks for the "review" in your list of favourite bloggers.
Cheers
Denis
Hello Bill,
thank you. You have been an encouragement and a sounding board to me along my recent journey as only a kindred soul can be.
Cheers,
Gaye
Hello Denis,
This charity involvement will be a new experience for us, and it is a way that Grahame and I can grow closer, sharing the spirit of giving.
Cheers,
Gaye
Hi Gaye
Good decision to not go to the Pilliga. It is wet and at least boggy out there, even if not actually flooding.
Stay dry and happy!
Cheers
Denis
Yes, Denis. It is disappointing, but we must just take what weather is dished out. We have been able to get out around home in the drizzling rain to observe some birds and saw a lovely family of Frogmouths pretending to be sticks this morning.
I have posted up last weeks bird observations in my bird blog, and we saw some fabulous breeding birds close to home including a pair of Pacific Bazas:
http://australianbirdblog.blogspot.com/2009/12/weekly-observations_26.html
Cheers,
Gaye
Hi Gaye,
Great Christmas picture -- I loved trimming the tree when I was a kid. It's wonderful to be able to share that with your grandkids.
Hope you enjoyed the volunteering -- I think it's a much more meaningful way to spend Christmas Day. And thanks for mentioning my blog!
Happy new year -- can't believe we're nearly into 2010!
Cheers
Catherine
Hello Catherine,
thank you. I have become comfortable enough in my own skin over the past couple of years to show my face on my blog, double chins and all :)
I am indeed fortunate to be able to spend quality time with my grandchildren. Another grandchild was due to come into the world a couple of days ago, but hasn't made an appearance yet.
Cheers,
Gaye
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