Mid Winter.

Sorry my blog has been static for so long. I have been having treatment which necessitated 6 weeks at the base hospital. Everything is well now. It was an interesting and often amusing experience in all. And I met some fascinating people, including writers. I had no access to computers - that was my only bug- bear really. I couldn't believe there weren't any Computer Cafes handy. What do tourists do, I wonder.

I must be really anxious for spring as I discovered I had ripped of August as well as July from our calendar. Bummer - now my dearly beloved won't remember my birthday - or our anniversary! Maybe I should just leave daily bulletins for him to discover. Wonder if that will work?

It has been lovely weather since I returned from my 6 weeks stint at the coast. We had friends over to meet our new neighbours on Saturday and dined under the milky way. It was a lovely night. Even the various dogs got on well.

While I was away a friend (I use the word advisedly) introduced me to a new puzzle - Suduku - which has taken Australia by storm. Damn it - I'm hooked. I think I must be a compulsive personality after all. Can't start the day until I have solved one.

I didn't do much writing while I was away, despite all the time I had without interruptions. I alway have worked better under pressure. I just finished this one. It is a response to a challenge my writing group has. Have no idea what the tree is that I am writing about. I hope you enjoy it.

July Poem - Desperate Measures.

On the coast the trees capture an audience.
Tourists stop to photograph
the bright mauve canopies and carpets
dotted through the city streets.

I travelled home through hills alight
with captured sunlight
from winter wattle, Bloodwood trees
burgeoned with blossom and
flamboyant grevilleas of cream, red and orange.
In my mind's eye I pictured my own piece of beauty
planted years ago after a coastal trip
and placed carefully to defeat winter's drab.

For five years this tree has grown,
cosseted, protected from frost and blight.
Strong healthy leaves reward me
but no flowers.
Our garden guru tells us
to wack the reluctant tree
as one would a recalcitrant wife.
I'm preparing my weapon
for a sundown assault.